Student Groups Leap to New Heights

Students founded or brought back 15 campus organizations in 2002-03. Such a steep jump in the number of clubs had not been seen since 1995. "This may be the result of a first-year class that is eager to get involved," says Pam Brewer, associate dean of students. "Lafayette's clubs and organizations provide a positive way for students to share their personal interests with others. Each group is student-based, so the self-governance aspect is also very appealing." Last spring, a cappella groups Soulfege and Quintessence made their debut on campus along with Math Club, Cancer Society, Lafayette Association of Free Trade Advocates, Road Runners, Baseball Club, and the alternative publication Monthly Squibb. Fellowship of Christian Athletes also returned after a short hiatus.

Belting out a favorite tune, Mike Koumaras '03 and members of the a cappella group Soulfege sing to a packed house. Many other students are joining the new clubs, including (below from left to right) Sean Commerford '06, Steven Krossner '06, Farhan Ahmed '05, Jack Furlong '05, Chris Michaud '03, and Lisa Oliveri '05.

Other new groups joining the ranks last year were Leopard Disk Golf Association, Armenian Students Association, Women's Lacrosse Club, and Linux Users Group. In addition, the Arts Society and Philosophy Club experienced resurgences.

The increase in student organizations stems from enthusiasm shown by students like Soulfege founder Lisa Oliveri '05. "I sang co-ed a cappella with a group in Boston," she says. "I had a lot of fun with it and wanted to make the same opportunity available to Lafayette students."

Linux Users Group president Farhan Ahmed '05 founded his group after noticing that quite a few students and professors use the Linux operating system. "There is no help desk to provide assistance to those encountering difficulties on campus, so this organization serves as a support group," he says.

Linux, unlike Windows software, may be downloaded at no charge. Ahmed plans to designate days when his group installs the program for free. "I like being part of this group because it provides more choices," he says. "The expression you see on people's faces when you introduce them to Linux and tell them it's free is great."

In addition to these Student Government- recognized groups, a Jazz Combo and Jazz Trio formed in 2002-03. "It is almost totally student-run and organized basically from scratch, and that puts a lot of positive pressure on the individual to try hard and do well," says Jazz Trio member Dave Mitchell '05.