Roadrunner Rodeo filled the Palm Desert campus with laughter and community on May 7. Clubs and organizations, including the COD Architecture Club, the Sexuality and Gender Alliance Club and the theater department, connected with students through activities such as branding boots and clothing, applying sparkly temporary tattoos and promoting the musical “Kiss Me, Kate” with a kissing booth.
Zachary Van Oosting, who was cast in COD’s musical “Kiss Me, Kate” as part of the ensemble, expressed joy in seeing familiar faces at Roadrunner Rodeo.
“It’s really fun seeing some of the other people who go to COD, since it feels like I only really see people in my major,” they said. “It’s lovely seeing all these people. Because it’s so local and I’ve grown up here all my life, I see a lot of people I went to high school or middle school with.”
Second-year COD student Jared Rivera Salas shared his favorite part of the event.
“One of my favorite things about this event has been the people,” he said. “A lot of them are outgoing, which kind of helps when you’re introverted.”
William Caballero, vice president of the COD Architecture Club, described the enjoyable atmosphere of promoting the club at Roadrunner Rodeo.
“We specialize in elevating architecture students’ designs, their design processes and their journey through the architecture major,” Caballero said. “We really prioritize community in this club. Everybody knows each other and helps each other with projects, and it’s a good, friendly environment.”
Another COD Architecture Club member, Sahid Romero, shared his favorite parts of the event.
“The food was really good,” Romero said. “At the booth next door, they’re branding boots. I think that’s pretty sick.”
Isabel Rodriguez, a cabinet member and social media manager for the COD Sexuality and Gender Alliance Club, described the event as a fun experience.
“We’re having so much fun here because we’re a pretty diverse team,” Rodriguez said. “We meet a lot of people through our booth, and we’re promoting the club with tattoos and face paint. It’s fun because people keep asking, ‘Oh my God, where did you get that?’”
Isabel also described how meaningful the club has been to her, saying it gave her a sense of belonging and community on campus.
“This club has been such a good experience,” Rodriguez said. “It’s been a great place to find community, especially as a lesbian and queer person. One of the best parts has been hanging out with people and meeting others like me. This is my last semester on campus, and I’m really glad you asked me those questions because this club has been a truly transformative experience for me.”
Even COD dean Vanessa Fountain joined in on the fun.
“I enjoyed watching my colleagues get dunked. The first gentleman up was my boss’s assistant, so that was definitely unexpected but really fun,” Fountain said. “As a dean, I think it’s important to support my students and faculty. When I was faculty, I didn’t necessarily have that support, so I know how much it means. I like meeting students and seeing what they’re up to, whether it’s dunking their professors or advertising their shows.”
For students who struggle to step outside their comfort zones, College of the Desert events can provide opportunities to meet new people and build connections. With food, activities and familiar faces, events like Roadrunner Rodeo help create a welcoming campus environment while encouraging social, educational and professional networking.
