Police cars lined the road in front of Christ the Teacher, Friday, Sept. 19. Inside the Saint Paul VI Conference Center, men and women in various uniforms stood by booths decorated with the names of different organization. The Criminal Justice Fair was in full swing.  

Professionals from many criminal justice fields discussed their jobs and shared information with Franciscan students, families and teachers.  

Around 40 booths were set up throughout the conference center, featuring organizations such as the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the United States Navy.  

Tables offered pamphlets, stickers, pens, lanyards and other various objects that promoted their organization. QR codes provided opportunities to learn more online, sign up for internships or volunteer with the organizations.  

Johanna Hanson, a junior at Franciscan University and unit leader of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for FUS students, welcomed people to her table. When asked how being in the Coast Guard Auxiliary has affected her, Hanson remarked, “It’s really helpful for me … to figure out how I want to balance out my life.” She also mentioned how the experience has “helped me a lot to grow closer with other students.” 

Captain Buddy Grace of the United States Air Force described opportunities for Franciscan students in the ROTC programs. “If you … want to serve,” Grace explained, “come and talk to any of us, [and] we can figure out how that best aligns with your goals.” 

The Criminal Justice Fair hosted not only students majoring in criminal justice, but all sorts of majors come to learn about the diverse fields. John Paul Palladino, a senior accounting major, mentioned, “As an accounting major, I got to interact with a different side of accounting.” He was shocked to discover “how many cops had started out as accountants.”  

“I had a great experience at the fair,” said John Paul. “[It] had a positive impact on my life as a student.”