In the spring of 2004, a few dedicated Sociology majors began the long process of establishing a club. Their dreams became a reality after months of researching and planning.
The Sociology Club grew quickly from only a few pioneers to 39 members from the Augustana student body, including the seven elected officers. Outreach Coordinator and Recruiting officer, Anna Lind, states, “I am not surprised that so many Augie students chose to join the club. There are a huge number of students that have sociological interests.”
The Sociology Club was started to create opportunities for students to explore various avenues within the field of Sociology, to expand their knowledge of contemporary sociological research, and to provide community and fellowship to students involved in the Sociology program.
The club is off to a great start. Last spring the Sociology Club launched its first event with a campus-wide Ice Cream Social. To end the school year, the club invited the Augustana community to join them for pizza, pop, and to watch the movie, The Big One, during finals week. Programming Coordinator, Lindsey Karlson, says, “We hope to have a wide variety of programming so many students can become interested in the diverse field of sociology.”
Next year the Sociology Club anticipates having one big event each month. Karlson indicates that most of the fall events have already been determined. The Sociology Club plans on having a Freshmen Social and Deviant Night in September and possibly a presentation by Dr. Susan Wortmann in November.
Pictured Left to Right (Back Row): Chris Pommerleau, Kellie Furman, Becka X, Anna Lind, Ali Ceynowa, Pam X, Randi Quade. (Front Row): Jen Sjuts, Lindsey Karlson, Rita X, and Dr. Susan Wortmann.
Activities for the Sociology Club went from social events (like participating in the Homecoming Parade--see photo of Traci Horejsi pushing Liz Harr in a grocery cart [now Viking ship!] as they campaigned against the South Dakota food tax) to service projects (helping at The Banquet, a local food ministry) to education (film nights, career exploration, and discussions) to advocacy.
During Spring 2005, advocacy focused on student action to try to retain a beloved sociologist, Dr. Susan Wortmann. Due to administrative restructuring, Dr. Wortmann's position was not secure. Sociology students wrote letters, created petitions (that over 300 people signed in support of Dr. Wortmann), and even sold buttons (like the one pictured below). Despite this groundswell of student activism, Dr. Wortmann's position at Augustana was not secured. Nevertheless, the students in the Sociology Club made their presence (and preference!) known to the College, engendered a change in the complacent culture of the place, and built a stronger sense of identity as a group.
The Sociology Club continues to create opportunities for students to explore various avenues within the field of Sociology, to expand their knowledge of contemporary sociological research, and to provide community and fellowship to students involved in the Sociology program. Now, the Sociology Club is a group recognized by the Augustana Student Association (which also means it has a budget!), and has a significant track record of activities for this year!
Elected Officers for 2005-2006:
Codie Thompson, President
Marie Drury, Vice President
Jeri Light, Secretary
Anna Lind, Treasurer
Programming, Lindsey Karlson
Publicity, Jackson Murthan and Dana Meyer.
The Sociology Club officers for 2006-2007 are:
Marie Drury, President
Brianne Hoffman, Vice President
Shawnda Otto, Secretary
Eric Olson, Treasurer
The Sociology Club officers for 2007-2008 are:
Shawnda Otto, President
Join Soc Club! And help us write the next chapter!
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Last updated: June 1, 2007