The PRISM Resource Center at the University of Southern Mississippi hosted its first-ever PrismFest, offering food, activities, and campus resources to students as part of an end-of-year celebration.
The event, which welcomed all students, featured free fair-style food, including ice cream and snow cones from Brady’s Snow Cone Truck. Attendees also participated in creative activities such as tie-dye T-shirt making and friendship bracelet crafting. DJ Pretty Peach provided music and entertainment throughout the afternoon.
PRISM, which serves LGBTQ+ students, offers a safe space to study, socialize, and seek support. While PrismFest was primarily aimed at the LGBTQ+ community and other underrepresented student groups, the event was open to everyone on campus.
“We wanted to give the students an opportunity to have fun in a low-pressure environment to connect with our community,” said Kerigan Brewer, coordinator of community and belonging. “Even though it is primarily for our LGBTQ students and any other students who fall into the other communities we support, it is open to everyone… it’s an event I recommend any student come out to.”
In addition to entertainment, PrismFest highlighted on-campus and community resources that support student well-being. Representatives from Student Counseling Services, the Moffitt Health Center, and the Spectrum Center were present to provide information about health, wellness, and inclusive support networks.
The Spectrum Center, an off-campus resource, has collaborated with PRISM in the past to provide outreach to Southern Miss students.
“We are largely interested in letting students know about the Spectrum Center as a resource,” said Robby Desmond, a member of the Pride Committee at the Spectrum Center. “It is located off campus so it is sometimes overlooked by students. We want to let students know about the support we provide and the events we host so they know that there are many things available for them. We want to provide students a chance to connect with the larger community here as well. It also provides chances for service to the community so we can help support each other in a way that is comfortable for everyone… we’re very proud of what we do and, we’re happy to support the youth of the Pine Belt.”
The PRISM and Spectrum centers continue to offer inclusive programming and community engagement for students throughout the year.
