Students braved chilly temperatures on Monday to take part in the first annual Fall Festival, sponsored by the MGH Institute’s Student Government Association (SGA). 

Held behind the Shouse Building, the event featured a book swap table where students could bring a book and take a book; a bake sale that doubled as a fundraiser; a pumpkin decorating station; and activities featuring a pumpkin head relay race, an obstacle course, and Jenga, among other games. 

Mackenzie Looze, President of the Student Government Association, said the student leaders wanted to do something different this fall. 

“We thought, what better than a fall fair, especially as we lead into Thanksgiving and December?” said Looze, a second-year student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. “This is something to break up this semester and all of the stress from classes and the pressures of being a student in a health care program, which can be a lot, but is very satisfying and enjoyable.”

The event was put together by the SGA Executive Board, which is made up of four students elected by representatives from every cohort; they volunteer their time to put on events and collaborate with administration on projects aimed at improving the student experience. The board members are: Looze CSD '25; Caitlyn Cook DPT '26 (Vice-President); Noa Gamliel, OT '26 (Treasurer); and Kaitlyn Holcroft, DPT '26 (Secretary).