UCO Classics Club Hosts Bake Sale to Support Growing Student Organization

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Classics Club hosted a bake sale on Wednesday in the Liberal Arts Atrium to raise funds for the growing student organization, which is entering its first full year on campus.

Eli Richardson, the club’s treasurer, said the fundraiser is essential as the organization missed annual funding last semester. “We’re just trying to get our foot off the ground,” he said. “We want to provide activities and fun events for students that are all classics, such as literature, movies, and events.”

The table featured a variety of student-made baked goods, including banana bread, peppermint bark, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, and a popular “dirty brownie” filled with marshmallows and Oreos. The club also sold hot chocolate. “We all baked the goods ourselves and brought them in,” Richardson said.

Although student traffic was slower due to dead week, Richardson said those who stopped by were supportive. The bake sale followed a donation-based model, allowing buyers to contribute any amount. “People have been really generous today as it’s the season of giving,” he said. “Given how quiet campus is, it’s been a fairly good turnout.”

Funds from the sale will support future programming, including refreshments for events, movie nights, game nights, and potential lecture series led by guest speakers. Richardson said the club hopes to bring in experts from the archaeology department at the University of Oklahoma for spring programming.

“Funding significantly helps our ability to travel and attend major antiquities events we otherwise wouldn’t have access to,” he said.

As a newer club, the fundraiser also helped introduce the organization to students outside its typical circles. “We have a strong community in humanities, philosophy, and history,” Richardson said.

“But this helps us reach students in poetry, writing, and art who may not think about the Classics Club first.”

Richardson encourages students curious about classical studies to explore the club and its events. “Greco-Roman culture has persisted throughout Western history and American history,” he said.

“Everywhere you look, you’ll find some influence of the Greeks and Romans, such as in architecture, art, poetry, drama. Learning about it helps us understand how we got here and how ancient cultures interacted globally.”

The club plans to finalize its spring schedule next week, but students can expect more bake sales, movie nights, and themed activities in the coming semester.