The Student Involvement Fair, held on the first Monday of the fall semester, allows students to connect and check out different organizations.
Students can join on the spot, or go online and contact the advisor or club president for more information. The first year of college can be difficult. For freshman, making new friends can be even harder. With more than 200 registered student organizations on campus, there are numerous ways for students to get out of their shell and meet people.
“Getting involved is not only a great way to make connections and meet people, but it also helps provide experiences and opportunities to learn, grow and have fun,” said Angie Norwood, the senior coordinator of student activities and student involvement. “Involvement can provide memories that last a lifetime.”
From volunteering to weight lifting, there is something for nearly every student to plug into on campus. Tigers 4 LeBonheur is an RSO focused on making a difference at the LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and the FedEx Family House. Last semester, Tigers 4 Le Bonheur raised $200 to buy toys for the children at the hospital.
The organization visits the hospital every month and sets up craft stations for the children. They also bake cookies once a month for the FedEx Family House. Earlier this year, the members made specialized cards for the patients and personally delivered them for Valentine’s Day.
“When you are giving your time to an organization that does a lot of volunteering, you end up getting more out of it and enjoy giving your time to other people,” said Anna Marsh, the president of Tigers 4 LeBonheur. “People should join Tigers 4 Le Bonheur because of the joy that they can bring to others and the eventual joy that they will bring themselves.”
Joining a student organization is also a way to meet students who share similar interests. Students who enjoy weightlifting or simply do not want to fall victim to the “freshman 15” may decide to join the Iron Tigers Weightlifting Club. Students not only pump iron in the Iron Tigers Weightlifting Club, but also get the chance to become certified coaches.
The recently registered student organization plans to hold a weightlifting meet at the fieldhouse in November.
“If students are interested in the competitive sport of weightlifting they should join,” said Robert Townsend, an advisor for the Iron Tigers Weightlifting Club. It is another athletic outlet that is sometimes considered rare, but I think people will benefit from learning about a new sport.”
The Iron Tigers Weightlifting Club is not exclusive to U of M students. Faculty, students from other colleges or high schools are welcome to join. Children as young as 13 are eligible to participate in youth events. There are no requirements to join, aside from the willingness to try something different.
“We offer the opportunity for people who are interested or not familiar with exercise a place to start without being intimidated by going to a local gym or rec [center],” said Shelby Peel, graduate assistant and member of the Iron Tigers Weightlifting Club.
Students who are interested in making a difference in the community could consider The Memphis River Warriors. The Memphis River Warriors purpose is to significantly improve the areas along the Mississippi River. Members of the Memphis River Warriors collect trash that accumulates near the Mississippi River, Wolf River and McKellar Lake.
The current organization’s council has high hopes of bringing CNN’s 2013 Hero of the Year and founder of Living Lands & Waters, Chad Pregracke, to speak at an event in the future.
“Students can come with us to network with local nonprofits and get to know their community,” said Kirby Frizzell, the president of the Memphis River Warriors.
