Students Mushrooms, Mariachis, and Much, Much More: Campus Clubs in Photos Stories You May Like ‘Dump and Run’ Turns Student Castoffs into Treasure Student Orientation, from Freshman Camp to the “Face Book” Why Being a Student Chimesmaster Put Me ‘At the Top of the World’ Did you know that Cornell has more than 1,200 active student organizations? Here’s a visual visit to just a few By Melissa Newcomb The Hill is home to a wide variety of student organizations—1,221 currently active ones, to be exact—that immeasurably enrich campus life. From the Cornell Chimes to the sailing club, the groups are centered around a wide variety of topics: community service; animals and wildlife; the performing and visual arts; games; cultures and ethnicities; social justice; food and drink; and much more. “They give students a really cool opportunity to showcase what’s important to them and share their identities, passions, and interests with others,” says Kyle Schillace, associate director for campus activities in Student & Campus Life, “or to explore something that’s totally different to them.” Throughout the fall 2024 semester, Cornell photographers documented the activities of a sampling of these vibrant student groups; here’s a tour of some of the resulting images. (And stay tuned for future installments!) “There are many aspects to what success means for a student,” Schillace observes. “Of course, there’s the academics, but another really meaningful piece is how connected they feel to the community they create—and student groups let them do that.” Here are snapshots of seven active student groups: Block and Bridle This animal agriculture group offers hands-on opportunities for activities like horse handling and grooming, duck husbandry, lambing, and sheep handling. The club also organizes educational tours within the Vet College and to local farms and hosts a Livestock Show and Barnyard Fun Day each spring. Baja Racing Each year, students work together to design and build an off-road vehicle. The final product vies for victory in the Baja SAE Collegiate Design Series competition, where it’s put to the test on tough terrain. Mariachi Regional Dedicated to creating traditional Mariachi performances, this group of singers and instrumentalists is open to individuals from any background who want to learn, play, or teach the beloved Mexican folk music. Stories You May Like ‘Dump and Run’ Turns Student Castoffs into Treasure Student Orientation, from Freshman Camp to the “Face Book” Fantastic Fungi Fanatics A passion for fungi brings together members, who participate in activities like field trips to hunt and identify mushrooms; there are even cooking sessions, movie nights, and “’shroom art.” The goal: to create a fun environment while spotlighting an essential—but often overlooked—ecosystem. Swing Syndicate Open to everyone from beginners on up, the club hosts weekly lessons and events in the Big Red Barn for anyone interested in learning swing dancing and practicing their moves. Dances include the Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Shag. Cornell Votes This non-partisan group works to increase voter registration, electoral turnout, and civic engagement. It tables at events and partners with numerous other organizations such as the Student Assembly and Greek houses. Juggling Club In additional to juggling—including with fire!—members practice other circus arts, like unicycling. They also perform at events on campus and in the community. Top: A performance by Mariachi Regional en Cornell. (All images by Cornell University photographers Noël Heaney, Sreang Hok, and Jason Koski.) Published December 17, 2024 Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Campus & Beyond Me-ow! Celebrating a Half-Century of Helping the Kitties Campus & Beyond Researchers Aim for More Protective Women’s Ice Hockey Gear Alumni Reporter Jenn Abelson ’00 Exposes Dangers of No-Knock Warrants