College is about gaining knowledge, not only academically but socially. Although most of the time spent on campus involves a classroom, there is much more to take advantage of. With more than fifty student organizations on campus, students have the ability to join groups that interest them, or that they want to learn about.

You may want to choose to join clubs about your heritage, such as the Greek Honor Society, Italian Cultural Society or the Muslim Students Association. These organizations provide students a place to learn about their culture, celebrate it and to teach other students.

Bridget Barry, a member of the Greek Honor Society sought it out because she wanted to meet others with the same heritage.
“I joined the Greek Honor Society because it is a way to celebrate my own culture with people that share the same heritage as me,” she said.

“It was a way for me to meet more people, which has also helped me grow and experience many new and exciting things.”
You may want to become part of Greek Life (sororities and fraternities), which is a very large presence at St. John’s.

Each sect of Greek Life represents different values, beliefs and focuses. Along with the social aspect of them, most Greek Life organizations help the community by holding different fundraisers for a wide range of charities.

Kerri Loblanco, a junior, decided to join Greek Life her sophomore year.

“I was interested in community service and the sense of sisterhood,” she said.

“It was something I always wanted to be a part of.”

There are also clubs where students can get an edge on their craft, and gain valuable experience.

Media and creative outlets through the University foster a teaching environment among peers to produce music, stage theatrical performances, or a print
publication.

WSJU is St. John’s radio station, which can be heard in Marillac Cafeteria, the internet and in residence halls on Channel 36.

The station is located on the fourth floor of Marillac Hall, and is completely run by students of the University. It is a great way for students studying the field of communications to get hands-on training using equipment and to work among peers.

For those who have an urge to be in the lime light, or help produce a Shakespearean show, the Chappell Players is the right place for you.

The Chappell Players consists of students who run each show they perform, from the acting, direction, set design to promotion, lighting and costume design.

The Players put on a musical and cabaret the first semester, then during the second semester a straight show, children’s show and dance show is staged.

For anyone interested into going to the world of publishing, St. John’s offers two outlets for students to write, design, photograph and print.

The Torch, which is what you are reading currently, is published weekly by its student-run staff. Students who are interested in writing can sign up for stories offered every week, and those who are interested in the photography aspect of journalism can volunteer to take pictures.
Illustrators are also welcomed to become part of the graphics department.

Ann Marie Mascioli, a junior English major, decided to write for the Torch her sophomore year to gain insight on her major.

“Being a writer for The Torch has provided me an opportunity to gain experience in my field of interest,” she said.

“I have learned a lot about editing, which is fundamental to my major.”

The Vincentian, the University’s yearbook, offers students experience in the world of publications.

The Yearbook staff makes sure to capture major events and activities that go on during the year. The staff includes writers, photographers, illustrators and advertising representatives.

You may also have the urge to make changes and to support the school. One of the groups that gives students the ability to is the Residence Hall Association.

The RHA gives resident students a voice in
enhancing life as a resident student at St. John’s. Students who are involved help plan activities to various places around the city, and events within the resident village.

Jessica Sides, a senior, decided this year that she wanted to become more involved in residence life.

“I want to provide residents, like myself more incentives to become involved,” she said.

The Student Programming Board (SPB) is similar to the RHA, but involves the University as a whole. Anyone who is part of the SPB helps creates social and recreational programs for the University, including a film series, Commuter Appreciation Week and Spring Fling event.

If you have ever been to a St. John’s sporting event, then you have most likely seen the Red Zone members in action.
The St. John’s Red Zone is extremely hard to miss at any sporting event. They are the students with the painted faces, the loudest cheering voices decked out in red.
This group attends every sporting event, from women’s volleyball, to basketball games at Madison Square Garden, and helps the University engage the community to support fellow peers during games.

Anyone can be a part of this organization,
as long as you bring a loud voice and an abundance of school spirit.

Even if none of these organizations sparked your interest, do not feel discouraged. There are countless of other activities you can join. No matter who you are, or where you’re from, St. John’s has organizations to help students become what they want to become.