Fashionistas, comic book lovers, humanists. Gardeners, ice hockey players, clean eaters. Swing dancers, fishermen and skydivers. Vegans, table-top gamers and Toastmasters. They all fit in at the College of Charleston.
With more than 220 student clubs and organizations – and 30 new ones proposed this year – the College has something for everyone. And, when you’ve got all this variety, you’ve also got a whole lot of leaders: the ones who have the passion and skill not just to be members of their clubs, but to step up and be presidents.
These are the students you’ll meet on the following pages – the presidents of clubs that represent the diversity and inclusivity that is the College. Welcome to the club.
Photo-essay by Leslie McKellar
“The Classics Club brings students and professors together to create an environment that enhances the Classical experience. I am honored to help foster the relationship between teacher and student that has been so integral to my success here at the College. Classics is the foundation of a liberal arts education, and – at our Homer-a-thon last semester (where we read Homer’s Odyssey on the Cistern from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) – we were able to show our love for the discipline and the College ”
– Kathleen Tuttle, president
“During our Paintball Club meets, we have lunch, joke around, gear up, then play five hours of nonstop paintball. When the day is over, you still have that 360-degree heightened sense of your surroundings.”
– Taylor Gates, president
“In addition to our weekly screenings, the Film Club produces CofC’s annual Student Film Festival each spring, where the local community can see our students’ short films. It provides an outlet for aspiring filmmakers, writers and actors on campus. Some of my favorite memories about Film Club are the hilarious discussions that we often have after we screen our films. We usually screen late at night after a long day of classes, so the discussions can get really silly, really fast.”
– Catherine Payne, president
“The Culinary Club is a natural bridge between the College of Charleston and the town’s foodie movement. Members meet biweekly at club meetings, organized dinner parties and random outings to present their hottest ideas, clink some glasses and have a fun night out at some of Charleston’s finest restaurants. I want this club to make a lasting impact for future club leaders to emulate – and to create a cycle of ambition and innovation with soul of youthful, uncaged CofC students.”
– Salim Hajjar, president
“The Anime Club is a group for people who are passionate about anime and the culture behind it, as well as those who have never heard of anime and want to learn more about ‘those Japanese cartoons.’ We want to continue to break the stereotypes many people have about anime and introduce them to the wonderful, creative people that make up the anime world and the truly inspiring work they have produced.”
– Jordynne Von Ins, president
“I started the Billiards Club when I started playing the in the Stern Center Game Room and found out that there wasn’t a club, which surprised me because there were a lot of players in the room. So, I took on the challenge of starting a club. I’m currently working on helping the College participate in the ACUI 9-ball tournaments against other colleges. My biggest hope is to make it a well-respected club, just like the billiard game itself.”
– Terry Pang, president
“The Chuck De Raas Club is an Indian dance team based on traditional dances known as Raas and Garba, which originated from Gujarat, India. The best thing about our team is the Indian culture and tradition we bring to the College, as well as the diversity on the team and how we have become a family through dance. At the end of every practice, we all become very quiet and one person counts down, ‘Three, two, one,’ and we all smile. Try it with a group of people: You can hear everyone smile!”
– Monica Patel, president
