Editor’s note: This is first in a series of stories this semester about how to get involved in various organizations on campus.
The college experience is not just about earning an undergraduate degree but also about becoming a well-rounded, versatile person who will be an informed citizen in any community.
Involvement in extra-curricular organizations offers students a chance to grow, play, learn and serve.
Even if a student has not attended a campus organization fair or joined an organization outside of his academic department, many opportunities to plug into campus life exist.
In the next few issues, the Cardinal & Cream will spotlight a few organizations that are open to anyone on campus.
Enactus (formerly SIFE)
Its serial publication, the “Stall Street Journal,” is placed in restroom stalls across campus, and many students also enjoy receiving its care packages during finals week, filled with study snacks and a new T-shirt.
These are just two of the various projects led by members of Enactus throughout theschool year.
“Enactus’ main goal is to reach the needs of those around us,” said Matthew Street,senior business management major and this year’s president.
The “Stall Street Journal” is Enactus’ newsletter, which provides information on professional development, campus-wide announcements and Twitter surveys.
Enactus educates the campus and community on leadership, business and professional skills.
Members participate in a variety of hands-on projects throughout the year and compete in annual national competitions.
Last year, Enactus members discovered a student who did not own a computer. After learning of the need, members were able to provide the student with a computer at no charge through the Cyber (Re)cycling Project.
Though many of its members are enrolled in School of Business, Enactus is open to students from any major or minor.
“We welcome all Union students with a passion to serve Union University and the Jackson community,” Street said.
Life139
Life139, whose name is referenced from Psalm 139, is one of the newest organizations on campus, and in a short amount of time, its members already have devoted themselves to local ministry and campus involvement.
The mission of Life139 is to defend life at all stages.
Most of the group’s outreach in Jackson is through BirthChoice, a local pregnancy resource center that offers free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, parenting classes, baby supplies and counseling.
“We help BirthChoice with their fundraising events as well as volunteering with office work and building upkeep from time to time,” said Melody Kramer, junior nursing major and president of Life139. “We do this by training students to be pro-life advocates, engaging our campus on bioethical issues and service to area ministries.
“One thing many people don’t know about Life139 is that we’re concerned with more than just abortion.”
Kramer said the club seeks to educate its members and the community about all pro-life issues, including stem cell research, euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Life139 is open to all students on campus; the group meets twice a month to role play potential conversations, do service projects and plan events.
“The best way to be involved with Life139 is to come to a meeting and join the discussion,” Kramer said.
