Courtney Hong
Living Assistant
Senior Gustavo Baity, founder of the Pepperdine Billiard’s Association, prepares to play a game in the HAWC. Chris Wolff/Staff Photographer
AtPepperdine, there’s a niche for almost any interest, whether it’s pirates, billiards or diversity. More than 50 organizations provide outlets for students to not only pursue their passions and have fun at the same time, but to do so with their peers. Because there’s only so much space on the quad walls and bulletin boards around campus, it may prove difficult to find out how to join newer organizations, much less know what they’re really about. Here’s a rundown of a few:
Sign Language Club
Aimee Hurtado began the Sign Language Club two years ago for personal reasons. Mute for 2 years at one point because of a paralyzed vocal chord, Hurtado’s prior knowledge of sign through classes she had taken allowed her to transition into the sign language world when she least expected it.
“The doctors don’t know exactly why I’m speaking the way that I am,” said Hurtado, who has had her voice back for five years.
The club began when Hurtado met other students on campus who also know sign language. Meetings consist of learning or practicing sign, but time is mostly spent using sign language off campus at events at Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, or at the Starbucks in Northridge, where many college students who are hard of hearing spend time.
“We have more outings than meetings this year,” Hurtado said. “The club is open to everybody.”
Next meeting:
Thurs., Oct. 21, 5 p.m. in CAC 316
Contact:
aimee.hurtado@pepperdine.edu
Pepperdine Billiards Association (PBA)
According to the mission statement of PBA, the organization is one “dedicated to the promotion of proper pool technique through the practice of pool fundamentals and its principles.” The student behind it all is senior Gustavo Baity, who has been playing pool for one year.
“I pretty much live at the HAWC,” Baity said. “Pool means a lot to me. Once you play, you grow a greater respect for it. I’ve grown so much as a person as a result of pool.”
PBA, which implements a handicap system to ensure fair competition, extends membership to amateur players as well as those who are more advanced. The time commitment is flexible. Events include pool nights at the House of Billiards in Santa Monica, fundraisers, community service events, pool technique training, movie nights, events with other clubs, as well as monthly tournaments played in league format. The last day to sign up is Friday, Oct. 8. Dues will be refunded at the end of the year if any member is not satisfied.
Dues:
$20, which includes a t-shirt and pool accessory discounts
Contact: gustavo.baity@pepperdine.edu
Armenian Student Organization
Known as Armenian Student Association at other universities, the purpose of ASO, which has about 15 members, is to promote diversity at Pepperdine by sharing the Armenian culture with the student body.
“Pepperdine can use a lot more diversity,” said Taline Garabedian, president, a New Orleans resident who has Lebanese and Syrian roots. “It’s important to learn about other people, where they come from, who they are.”
Events that ASO plans to put on include an evening of Middle Eastern food, music, and dance, similar to last spring’s Armenian Night. Garabedian has plans to invite Armenian faculty members to speak, partner with the Entertainment Business Network to put on a cultural fashion show, and participate in the Pepperdine International Club’s annual carnival in the Waves CafŽ. Additionally, ASO fosters connections with other chapters of the association, including the chapter at the School of Law, via coffee nights. No longer experiencing the pressures of starting a club for the first time, Garabedian said ASO will see improvements this year.
“Last year we had our meetings in a classroom,” Garabedian said. “This year, we’re going to do it outside the Sandbar in the patio area, so it’s less formal, more like a fun-filled atmosphere.”
Meetings:
Tuesday 6 p.m. on Sandbar patio
Dues: $10 per year
Contact: taline.garabedian@pepperdine.edu
Asian Student Association
In its third year, the ASA is 60 to 70 members strong, allowing its members to participate in activities such as sports, off-campus dining and movie nights.
“ASA is like a network for Asians here,” said Tip Aroonvatanaporn, a junior and president of ASA.
A pending upcoming event will be an Oriental cuisine night Thurs., Oct. 28, where ASA will give out free food to Pepperdine students. “We try to have meetings twice a month,” Aroonvatanaporn said. “We don’t have set dates, we email everyone about where and when to meet. Dates may change, check for posters and flyers.”
Dues:
$25 lifetime membership, includes t-shirt and potential boba tea discounts
Meeting:
Thursday, Oct. 14. in Towers main lobby
Contact: paroonva@pepperdine.edu
Swashbuckler Society
Armand Scurfield, the president of the Swashbuckler Society, has a passion for pirates. The purpose of the club is “to have fun, love pirates, and do pirate things,” Scurfield said.
The inspiration for the society came last year when Scurfield was at home in Mississippi and he and some friends decided to start a pirate club at their respective colleges. Activities include pirate movie nights twice a month, where rum cake is provided, and treasure hunts. “You can join at any time,” said Scurfield.
Dues:
$10, includes t-shirt
Meetings: Tuesday nights (bi-monthly) at 11 p.m., Towers main lobby
Contact: armand.scurfield@pepperdine.edu
Public Relations Student Society of America
PRSSA is not just for public relations and communication majors at Pepperdine.
“It’s a national organization with chapters all across the country,” said senior Jennifer Chan, president and member of four years. Members have the opportunity to meet reputable speakers, build up their resume, and to be affiliated with professionals across the United States who are involved with Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). National conferences are held every semester. Chan will be attending one in New York this month, where Donald Trump will be the keynote speaker. A biannual newsletter, written and published by members of PRSSA, is distributed throughout the CCB. A student-run PR firm called The Strongest Link gives members hands-on experience by helping fellow organizations with publicity. Plans for this year that will make the association more interactive are on-site visits to PR firms and events with local chapters at UCLA or USC. Membership fees cover expenses such as speakers, company on-site visits, refreshments at each meeting, and national dues.
“Once you’re a member of PRSSA,” Chan said, “not only is it recognized on your resume and at interviews, it’s a way to show your commitment to your field, and that you want to be a professional about it.”
Dues:
$60 per year
Meetings:
Wed. at 7 p.m., once a month
Contact:
jennifer.chan@pepperdine.edu
Pepperdine International Club
The purpose of PIC is “to get the international and domestic students to interact, be aware of what’s happening in the rest of the world, and learn about cultures and traditions,” said senior Udyami Peiris, president. “It’s basically a learning experience.”
PIC’s biggest event every year is Carnival, where booths are set up with different ethnic foods and descriptions of the countries of origin, as well as games and a cultural band. Meetings often take place over dinner at ethnic restaurants. Though made up of mostly international students this year, PIC is “concentrating on getting more domestic students,” Peiris said.
Dues:
$15, includes t-shirt
Meetings:
Thurs. at 6 p.m., every other week
Contact:
udyami.peiris@pepperdine.edu
10-07-04
