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Spring Boro Browse bridges campus and community

Despite the January chill, Georgia Southern’s spring semester 'Boro Browse' connects students with local businesses, campus resources, and exciting opportunities.
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Boro Browse gave students the opportunity to learn about local businesses and resources.

On January 29, 2025, Georgia Southern University hosted its biannual event ‘Boro Browse,’ a highly anticipated event that connects students with local businesses, campus departments, and non-profit organizations. Designed to help students discover resources both on and off campus, the event fosters a sense of belonging and builds bridges between the university and the broader Statesboro community. Over the years, ‘Boro Browse’ has grown into a staple of campus life, offering students a chance to explore, connect, and learn about the area.

This year’s event was held at the Russell Union Rotunda. Initially scheduled for the previous week, the event was postponed due to a rare snowstorm, a challenge organizers navigated with backup plans. Vendors and organizations set up vibrant booths that drew students throughout the day. Participating groups included Blaze Pizza, Sweet Impact, New Era Ink, HIS Radio, GSU Dyntl, and DPS Health and Wellness. While many were first-time participants, some vendors—such as Sweet Impact and HIS Radio—were returning to build on their previous successes.

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The Sweet Shop was ready to meet students at Boro Browse. Photo by Shalyn Reddish

Sweet Impact, owned by GSU alumnus Robert Lucas, previously participated in the Fall 2024 ‘Boro Browse’ and his team described the experience as “awesome,” noting it was a great way to gain exposure. HIS Radio, a Christian radio station, has participated multiple times and emphasized its commitment to encouraging students and introducing them to uplifting content.

Each vendor brought something unique to the event. GSU Dyntl, a new on-campus dental office, used the opportunity to debut its services, hosting a raffle for an at-home whitening kit and an Oral-B toothbrush. Sweet Impact offered free cookies and spin-the-wheel prizes to showcase its bakery. HIS Radio engaged students with giveaways and opportunities to volunteer. New Era Ink, returning after its Fall 2024 debut, impressed students with tattoo discounts and flash design promotions, while Blaze Pizza, new to the event, handed out free pizza cards and desserts to connect with students and the community.

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HIS Radio set up activities for participants. Photo by Shalyn Reddish

Event organizers shared their perspective on the evolution of ‘Boro Browse.’ “The primary goal is to connect students to what’s in and around the campus and the community,” one organizer explained. Over the years, the event has expanded its outreach, bringing in more vendors and organizations. While weather remains a consistent challenge, organizers were prepared with contingency plans to ensure the event’s success. This year’s new additions, like GSU Dyntl, highlight how ‘Boro Browse’ evolves to address student needs, offering essential services and new opportunities for engagement.

Students who attended the event expressed enthusiasm and appreciation. Destiny Coleman noted how the event connected her to the university, sharing her excitement about discovering Sweet Impact for the first time. Similarly, Ola Victor felt the event made the campus feel more like home, as she learned about new resources and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Both students highlighted Sweet Impact as a standout and were eager to attend future events.

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January's Boro Browse was chilly but fun for vendors and students alike. Photo by Shalyn Reddish

‘Boro Browse’ successfully bridges the gap between students and the surrounding community, fostering connections that enhance the Georgia Southern experience. With its mix of new and returning vendors, fun activities, and valuable resources, the event has become a hallmark of campus life. Students and vendors alike are already looking forward to future iterations, eager to deepen ties within the community and uncover even more opportunities.