With campus well into Fall Term, it has never been a better time for Lawrentians to start considering the wealth of extracurricular activities the school has to offer. Aside from the dozens of clubs returning to campus next year, there are several new organizations as diverse as the Lawrence community itself.
One organization new to campus this year is the Student Coalition against Gender Based Violence. The organization, created by Sophie Durbin ‘14, aims to train students in advocating awareness against gender-based violence. Members of this club will take part in sensitivity training to raise awareness of this issue, as well as getting them involved with local nonprofits such as Harbor House, which provides housing and advocacy for victims of domestic violence.
According to Durbin, there were a number of students who were interested in taking an active role in the prevention of gender-based violence in addition to making the issues more well-known on campus. The organization hopes to benefit other students by organizing training for individuals not part of the club, such as athletes in a team environment or international students who may be unfamiliar with certain aspects of American college culture. Durbin is looking to attract anybody who agrees that the awareness of gender-based violence is an important issue facing college campuses. If you’re interested in joining, you can email Durbin at sophie.k.durbin@lawrence.edu.
Those interested in an intense, physically demanding outdoor experience—and who are not opposed to the frosty Wisconsin winters—may be interested in the Lawrence University Nordic Ski Team. Founded by Liam Hoy ‘16, the Nordic Ski team offers multiple practices a week, as well as opportunities to compete in various races offered in the Appleton community. Those new to cross-country skiing will not need to provide their own equipment. Clinics will be offered to individuals who would like to get better at the sport. The group is open to all members of campus. Practices will be offered once it begins to snow, as well as preseason workouts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Anybody interested can send an email to liam.f.hoy@lawrence.edu.
Another student organization new to campus this year is the Lawrence University Literary Society. According to founder Thomas Sasani ‘15, the Literary Society is a book club focused more on discussion than a traditional book club. Additionally, the Literary Society is not constrained to just books. Sasani will also include other media sources such as news articles, pieces of music and films. He hopes the society will attract students of all academic backgrounds who enjoy discussing pieces of literature and media. In addition to students, Sasani hopes to extend invitations to members of Lawrence’s faculty to partake in the discussions as well. In addition to weekly discussions, the Literary Society hopes to host campus wide forums on issues relevant to Lawrence once or twice a year. The club currently meets on Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Davis room of Warch Campus Center. Dining with fellow members in the Commons to continue the discussion is strongly encouraged. Anybody interested can email thomas.a.sasani@lawrence.edu.
Gender issues, literature, and XC skiing among new club themes
