Whether someone is just starting their journey at Washburn or will soon be joining the workforce with a degree, anyone can seek the thrill and benefits of participating in a club.
Being involved in a club is a rewarding experience. Washburn provides the opportunity to be involved in any of the 126 different clubs and organizations around campus.
Sydney Rossim, elementary education major, is a member of multiple organizations on campus including Zeta Tau Alpha and Student Ambassadors. She has even taken on leadership roles in these organizations.
“Personally I have seen growth with my connections, professional growth and my ability to talk to new people,” Rossim said.
Sororities and fraternities are a great way to get involved on campus and find a community to connect with. Living on campus also provides opportunities to make friends, attend campus events and makes it easier to get to class on time.
For those who don’t believe a sorority or fraternity is right for them, there are other opportunities around campus. Another club on campus is the Swim and Dive Club.
Elizabeth Duvall, senior communications major, is a member of the Swim and Dive Club and leader who promotes the club.
“Swim and Dive Club offers opportunities to meet new people, make friends and the chance to improve swimming skills even if you aren’t confident in your ability,” Duvall said.
The Swim and Dive Club also hosts games and lunch outings for the club members to have fun after a long day in the classroom. Duvall hopes to increase the numbers of the swim team in the upcoming year.
The Swim and Dive Club uses the on-campus pool located in Petro next to Lee Arena. Washburn students – in the club or not – have access to the pool during certain hours of the week. Monday through Thursday, the pool is open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday, the pool is open 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m.
For those who prefer to sit on the bank rather than get in the water, there is a fairly new fishing club. Sam Revel, sophomore kinesiology exercise and rehab major, started the Washburn Fishing Club in the 2022-23 school year.
“The club is planning to become more active this year […] the goal is to get everyone in the club out to an event, plan a fishing trip, club members have to be to one fishing outing each semester, and attend at least a few meetings a year,” Revel said.
They are going to start fishing derbies for youth, begin fundraising for jerseys and other essential equipment and start a team once there are enough dedicated members.
Washburn has had a fishing club in the past, but it came to an end because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone that is excited to fish can cast their line with the fishing club and help Revel make the team possible.
Greek life, swimming and fishing are only a few of the clubs around campus. To learn more about the different clubs and organizations Washburn has to offer, visit Bods Connect or reach out to someone who is involved.
Edited by Karli Bayliss and LeSha’ Davis
