Organized Chaos

A-State students generally do not attend college just to further their education and earn a degree. Often, students are seeking the “college experience,” complete with a social life, independence and campus involvement. Lucky for our fellow Red Wolves, A-State offers approximately 200 registered student organizations

students can immerse themselves in. In this special edition of The Herald, we have compiled the stories of seven of these RSOs and some of the students involved in each. Arkansas State Ultimate Club, Arkansas State Wildlife and Fisheries Club, The Feminist Union, Film Society, Gay-Straight Alliance, Marine Biology Club and Ping Pong Club are among these unique organizations that stand out in a

field of Organized Chaos.

www.astateherald.comVolume 94, Issue 25 Monday, March 30, 2015

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I N F O R M I N G T H E C A M P U S A N D C O M M U N I T Y S I N C E 1 9 2 1

Special Edition

RSOs help students find their place at A-State

Arkansas State University is no stranger to heated debate. In an increasingly outspoken cli-mate, organizations like the Gay Straight Alli-ance and A-State Equality remain as outliers in a long list of conservative students organizations.

One A-State student saw the need for an organization that addressed the growing feminist movement nationwide.

Cody Jackson, a junior English major of Swif-ton, began his campaign for gender equality after

hosting an event at the university centered on the topic.

“The idea actually came to me during the Fall 2013 semester when a group of friends and my-self hosted an event centered around introduc-ing feminism and the history of the movements, along with what feminism has sought and seeks to accomplish,” Jackson said.

The event, called “The F-Word: A Discussion on Feminism,” presented a broad look at the top-ic. According to Jackson, he saw a need for a fo-rum that allowed for discussion and action more intrinsic to the movement.

Jackson’s interest in feminism stretches be-yond the Fall of 2013. Growing up with four sisters, Jackson cites his large family as a major inspiration.

“My sisters deserve to live in a world that values their lives and contributions to society as much as the lives of men,” Jackson said.

Coupled with his desire to create a place for men and women to discuss these social concepts and a wish to see a more inclusive group on campus, Jackson reached out to several friends, including those that had chaired the “F-Word” event. Together, the group worked to register the organization.

Beginning with a facebook page in Fall 2014, the organization began promoting their meetings and events to gain student interest. Billing them-selves as an organization dedicated to eradicating gender inequality, the group took off, garnering interest from A-State students looking for a more inclusive organization.

Since the group’s formation, ten members

have registered. However, Jackson, who currently serves as president, states that this number is ev-er-changing.

“We have approximately ten members, and counting. As a new group on campus, we are growing more each day,” Jackson said.

The group’s mission statement declares their goals as combating “oppression with education, critical discussion, service projects, and activ-ism, in addition to providing a community and safe space for all feminists and allies,” something Jackson feels will foster an encouraging spirit among potential members.

The ASU Feminist Union will be hosting its first event as an organization, titled “It Happens at A-State.” Through this project, the union will be gathering stories detailing experiences of sex-ual assault and violence victims on the campus of Arkansas State University through the perspec-tive of the victim.

The organization set up a web page, ithappen-satstate.com, which allows visitors to share their stories of sexual assault on A-State’s campus.

According to the page, the stories shared on the site will “contain pseudonyms in an effort to maintain the anonymity of those who have the courage to share.”

Toward the end of the Spring 2015 semester, at a date and place to be determined and shared at a later time, the organization will be hosting an event called “Narratives on Sexual Violence and Harassment at Arkansas State University.” At this event, the union intends to share stories of harassment and assault and hear first hand ac-counts from victims.

Jackson hopes that the union’s presence will lead to an open discussion on campus on the top-ic of women’s rights. Jackson believes the topic is important for both men and women.

“Through the feminist union, I hope to foster healthy discussion on issues concerning women in general, racial disparity, economic inequality, and even more so-called “controversial” issues such as a woman’s right to contraception and rape culture,” Jackson said.

After hosting this discussion, Jackson hopes that the union will be able to foster change in

other areas of student life.The ASU Feminist Union meets biweekly.

Students interested in attending meetings can sign up through the union’s Facebook page as well as at ithappensatstate.com.

Living in a media world in something most A-State students are familiar with. In the age of the Netflix binge, traditional media consumption is becoming a distant memory.

In a university dominated by hard news, one organizations strives to be a pioneer in creative media production.

A-State’s Film Society, formed in 2013, began as the brain-child of Dr. Mike Bowman. Bowman, an assistant professor at the university, started considering the concept of building an organiza-tion dedicated to film and film production while instructing in Fall 2013.

“The organization really fosters the idea of making your own film, and involving yourself in the creative process,” Bowman said.

After being approached by a former student who showed interest in forming an organization, the group held their first unoffi-cial meeting. During the fall of 2014, the film “Out of Ashes” began filming with principal photography taking place in Paragould.

Bowman noted a press release calling for extras, and encour-aged the students to reach out to the production crew. According to the instructor, the students made a lasting impression.

“They did such a great job, the director asked them to come back,” Bowman said. “It was great first hand experience at what filmmaking is really like.”

Caleb Silvey, a sophomore creative media production major of Magnolia was one of Bowman’s earliest recruits. Silvey, who now

serves as president, joined the organization as a way to indulge in the more creative side of media at the university.

Silvey was part of the initial organization, and served at a pro-duction assistant on “Out of Ashes.” For Silvey, the experience left a lasting impression.

“That was my first initiation into the Film Society,” Silvey said. “The next semester, I was elected president.”

After becoming involved in the production process for “Out of Ashes,” the film society began talks to host their own film festival. According to Bowman, the idea came from a need for more creative appreciation for area artists.

“Many people in the area who want to participate in film festi-vals have to travel, either to other parts of the state or out of state,” Bowman said. “We needed something here to showcase not only the work of our students, but the filmmakers in this area.”

The Delta Flix Film and Media Festival began taking entries in fall 2014, and will hold its premier April 7, running in conjunction

with the 21 annual Delta Symposium. “We wanted to provide media makers with the opportunity to

tell their stories,” Bowman said.Silvey found the film festival to be an opportunity for Film So-

ciety members, as well as those looking to expand on their creative output.

“This is one of A-State’s first big creative film events,” Sil-vey said. “A lot of the media at the university is centered around journalism. This is designed to showcase the creative side of media production.”

According to Bowman, the Film Society, as well as the festival, serve as evidence that the university is taking a step in a more cre-ative direction in the media department.

“There are a lot of people in this area that have filmmaking as-pirations,” Bowman said. “There are a lot of students here who have their own dreams like this. The organization helps foster that.”

Silvey expanded on this, stating that the formation of the Film Society is a step toward an area the university is “lacking” in.

“There is room for improvement in terms of media output,” Silvey said. “I feel like this festival and the Film Society have helped put down roots for this area.”

For students interested in becoming part of the Film Society, the organization meets every other Friday in the ASUTV newsroom. Though submissions are closed, Bowman encouraged students to attend the festival, beginning April 7.

“Anything that A-State can do to encourage the spirit of film-making is just great,” Bowman said.

MONDAY, MAR. 30, 2015PAGE 2A

Film & Feminism Fledgling organizations offer creative and energetic outlets for A-State students

Lindsey Mills| Staff PhotographerFilm Society President Caleb Silvey, a Sophomore creative media pro-duction major of Magnolia, shows camera tips to fellow Film Society member Garrett Tuggle.

EMMA WILLIAMSNEWS EDITOR

Blake Rylant| Staff PhotographerFeminist Union President Cody Jackson poses out-side the university.

“Anything that A-State can do to en-courage the spirit of filmmaking is just great,” -Michael Bowman, Film Society Advisor

Lindsey Mills| Staff PhotographerCaleb Silvey, a creative media production major of Magnolia and Pres-ident of the Film Society, talks to fellow members Garret Tuggle and Kaitlyn DeFord in the Media and Communications building.

Lindsey Mills| Staff PhotographerFilm Society President Caleb Silvey and member Garrett Tuggle view a project done by the Film Society called ‘Fortune’. The Film Society was formed in 2013.

Film society gives students a chance to indulge creativity

Feminist union brings men and women together for equality

EMMA WILLIAMSNEWS EDITOR

“Through the feminist union, I hope to foster healthy dis-cussion on issues concerning women in general, racial dis-parity, economic inequality, and even more so-called “contro-versial” issues such as a wom-an’s right to contraception and rape culture,”-Cody Jackson, Feminist

MONDAY, MAR. 30, 2015 PAGE 3A

ALLISON NICHOLS

#LIFE EDITOR

Gay-Straight Alliance

A-State’s Gay-Straight Alliance made some changes this past year, and members are looking forward to a more involved role in the community and the university.

The Gay-Straight Alliance has been an independent organi-zation on campus since 2001 that bridges the gap between the LGBTQIA community and this campus and Jonesboro.

“This is a good, safe place for LGBTQIA students and allies to come together and be themselves,” Joseph Rukus said, an assis-tant professor of criminology and the faculty advisor for GSA. “We have a new team and a new advisor with new energy this year, and our plan is to become more active on campus and in the Jonesboro community.”

LGBTQIA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual.

Mike Reagan, a freshman theater major of Spokane, Wash. and vice president of GSA, said he hopes to see the organization grow with the new, active role it will play.

“We have participants here and there who engage in our events, but I would like to see more people become involved,” he said. “Jo-seph [Rukus]’s department is focused on getting people to come to us.”

GSA just confirmed their first official partnership with the new-ly formed Feminist Union. Rukus said GSA plans to continue to create ties with other organizations on campus.

Along with bridging gaps between organiza-tions, GSA plans to create more community events in the near future.

Skinny J’s located in downtown Jonesboro is holding a Helping Hands canned food drive on April 12, and Rukus said that “GSA is donating as a group to show support” and encourages everyone to get involved.

The organization is also considering a field trip for members and a parade allowing community members to participate and become a part of it.

“Our biggest event, though, is the annual drag show we host: the Red Royalty Ball,” Reagan said.

This year’s Red Royalty Ball will raise money for scholarships and is hosted on April 14 at 7 p.m. in the A-State ROTC Armory.

Rukus said, “The participation of the ROTC is huge for our or-ganization because we don’t have the best history. ROTC is provid-ing security and a venue for us, and we are so thankful for it.”

Memphis participants will shine as drag queens for the show, and it is open to the public. Rukus said there are no restrictions and it’s only $8 for students to attend.

“We just want to show the community and cam-pus what we are about and get as many people

involved as possible,” Rukus said. “Equality is more political in today’s time, but our goal is to make it more social and just be here for folks.”

“This organization is really great because it just creates a safe, honest place where people who are different can come and be a part of something bigger with people like them and who support them,” Reagan said. “I enjoy our activities and spreading the word about our cause because few people actually understand why were are here and what we are trying to do.”

Rukus invites students to attend GSA meetings and events to help bridge the gap.

GSA meets every Wednesday in the International Student Cen-ter in room 228 at 6 p.m. More information can also be found on their Facebook page: Arkansas State University Gay Straight Alli-ance.

“We are proud of our organization, and we want others to come show their pride with us,” Rukus said.

Allison Nichols|#Life EditorJoseph Rukus, Mike Reagan and other members discuss upcoming events in the GSA office in the Student Union. GSA plans to be involved in several events before the semester ends, including a food drive with Skinny J’s restaurant, located in downtown Jonesboro, and the Red Royalty Ball, an annual drag show hosted by GSA.

Organization brings new energy, involvement with the community and university

Allison Nichols|#Life EditorJoseph Rukus and Mike Reagan meet in the GSA office in the student union to discuss Red Royalty Ball times and ideas. Red Royalty Ball is April 14 at 7 p.m. Red Royalty Ball is GSA’s annual drag show held to raise mon-ey for different scholarships and charities decided upon by leaders in the organization.

MONDAY, MAR. 30, 2015PAGE 4A

Five years ago a student at A-State asked her professor why there wasn’t a marine biology club on campus. So with the backing of Dr. Richard Grippo, alumni Keisha Gray founded Arkansas State University’s Marine Biology Club.

By introducing this club to the university, Gray gave stu-dents an opportunity to gain valuable marine knowledge far from a coast. The club also helped establish a marine science minor.

Now, Jessica Buford, a senior zoology major of Weeki Wachee, Fla., currently holds the title of club president and Whitney High, a senior zoology major of Cabot, is current-ly vice president. Both Buford and High are working toward minors in marine science. Grippo resides as the club’s facul-ty advisor and is very active.

Buford said, “I’ve wanted to be a marine biologist since I was three years old, so naturally I would be attracted to this club. I was excited to see people who share similar interests in marine life with me even though we were in a landlocked state.”

Due to the lack of coasts in Northeastern Arkansas, the Marine Biology Club takes a lot of trips. Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans are just a few of the club’s field trip locations.

This semester alone, the club has been to both Tennessee and Louisiana. In fact, its members just returned from a spring break trip to New Orleans.

“Last year we went to Florida and got behind the scene and looked at numerous Aquariums and Marine Labs. We also did a beach clean up,” High said.

This club gives students a chance to gain knowledge by giving them a first hand experience out in the field. Trip ac-tivities can be anything from visiting museums and aquari-ums to collecting specimens to exploring rainforests abroad.

Almost every year the club takes an excursion to Belize in Central America. And the trip is not just limited to club members or biology majors. Anyone willing to pay out-of-pocket for the trip expenses is welcome to join. For those interested, the next Belize trip will be in May of 2016 and will last 10 days.

In order to fund trips, the club members hold sever-al fundraisers throughout the year. Even small fundraisers help pay for part of the trip expenses.

The Marine Biology Club’s fundraising has included bake sales held in the lab science building, and for Valen-tine’s Day they sold “Crush grams” (bottles of Crush soda). Due to the success of these types of fundraisers, club mem-bers rarely have to cover all expenses on their own.

“[The Marine Biology Club] increases the diversity of experiences and provides an outlet for those interested in marine biology but are far away from the coast,” Grippo said.

Aside from trips, the club is also involved in local adven-

tures. Club members participate in science fairs and visit local elementary schools to show students fish and marine mammal remains.

High said, “We help educate young students in elementa-ry schools about the oceans and the marine life who may not have had a chance to see the ocean or go to an aquarium.”

The club meets about every two to four weeks to dis-cuss activities and trips as the events grow nearer. They also meet weekly, typically having meetings on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Their primary mode of communication when they are not meeting is a group email with all the members and the faculty advisor.

“The Marine Biology Club doesn’t just host science ma-jors, its open to all students,” Grippo said. “I get nursing students, and on the last trip education, nursing and psych majors went too.”

The Marine Biology Club provides opportunities for stu-dents to explore marine life and also make valuable contacts. What makes the club special is the hands-on, real-life expe-rience the members receive.

Students who participate on the field trips and intern-ships not only get to enjoy the experience, but also have an advantage in the job field.

Students interested in Marine Biology Club should speak to Dr. Richard Grippo in Lab Science East 316 for more in-formation.

RACHEL MOORESTAFF WRITER

A-State Marine Biology Club dives into experience

Photos courtesy of the Marine Biology ClubJessica Buford and Whitney High swim with the manatees in Crystal River, Fla. during the 2014 spring break as part of a trip taken by the Marine Biology Club.

Photos courtesy of the Marine Biology ClubJessica Buford and Kandria Driskill volunteer on behalf of the Marine Biology Club at the Arkansas Science Festival.

Photos courtesy of the Marine Biology ClubDr. Richard Grippo, adviser of the Marine Biology Club, enjoys the but-terflies at the group’s visit to the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans.

Photos courtesy of the Marine Biology ClubLizz Etzkorn, Cole Harken, Alex Worm and Ashley Davis, all members of the Marine Biology Club, show off their catches at the Mote Marine Lab during spring break last year.

Photos courtesy of the Marine Biology ClubMembers of the Marine Biology Club get into special swimming attire as they prepare to swim with manatees at Crystal River, Fla.

Photos courtesy of the Marine Biology ClubJessica Buford and Kandria Driskill volunteer on behalf of the Marine Biology Club at the Arkansas Science Festival.

If you wonder by the old track field between the football stadium and the baseball field on a Monday night, you would see a group of students playing ultimate frisbee. What you might not have known is that those students are a part of the Arkansas State Ultimate Club. The Ultimate Club is a registered student organi-zation ran by ultimate frisbee enthusiast and competitive students.

According to sophomore mechanical engineering major, Mat-thew Reid, the purpose of the Ultimate Frisbee club is to “Get Stu-dents involved in extracurricular activities outside of school”, and it’s a good place to meet new people, “and extending connections on a college level.”

The club became official in the fall of 2013 after a group of students, who played together on a weekly basis, decided to make their own team and compete nationally, said sophomore civil engi-neering student, Allen Deaver, who is also one of the team captains.

The club bonds students who share the interest of ultimate fris-bee with practices multiple times a week, and different tournaments throughout the year.

The team practices every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night but, they also have pick-up games every Thursday night where everyone is welcome, no matter the skill level.

Deaver, would like to invite anyone who is interested in joining the club to come out to the pick-up games. “The best way for some-one who is interested in playing for the team to join is for them to start coming out on Thursday nights.”

The main type of event the club participates in is tourna-ments. A few locations the group has competed include Conway, Oklahoma and even Indiana according to the club advisor, Carol Cummings.

Reid said that along with the tournaments, they are also plan-ning a disc golf tournament to raise money for the club. Deaver commented saying, “Ideas of hosting our own [tournament] here in Jonesboro have been talked about, but at the moment it’s still that, an idea.” That would be a very big accomplishment for the team, and hopefully that idea will become a reality in the near future.

When asked about why they think the Ultimate club is im-portant, both Reid and Deaver said that it is a good place to find a good group of friends with a similar interest. Reid went on to say that, “Organizations like this give students an opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and take on leadership roles.”

With Deaver being a captain, some might think that all the re-sponsibilities are on him, but he said, “Responsibilities are handed out to a few different people so that no one is being overloaded with it all.”

So, if you like being s leader, and being pushed a little out of your comfort zone, getting involved with the Ultimate club might be for you.

If you are looking for an outlet to show your competitive side, then Red Wolf Ultimate Club may appeal to you. Deaver said some reasons he decided to join the club are, “because I love the sport and I’m extremely competitive.” He also praised just being able to travel with the group.

Reid had a similar stance saying he loves the sport, and on his first day on campus as a freshman, a team member came up to him and told him he should go play. He fell in love with the competition from the start.

You can also get some experience in fields other than just ultimate frisbee. Reid said he has gotten some good real world com-munication skills because he has had to talk with business owners around town for sponsorships or donations for different things. Both of the students said they have enjoyed hanging out with friends they have made, playing a sport that they love, and getting to compete at different campuses across the country.

If you have been looking for a place just to meet some new friends while playing an extremely fun sport, come out to the old track field every Thursday night at 10 p.m.. For more information on how to get involved with the Arkansas State Ultimate Club, con-tact Carol Cummings at 870-972-3800.

MONDAY, MAR. 30, 2015PAGE 1B

CHASE BECVARSTAFF WRITER

Sarah Thompson | Staff PhotographerAn Arkansas State University student throws a frisbee at an Ultimate Club practice.

Red Wolf Ultimate Club offers studentsa fun, competitive activity to enjoy

Sarah Thompson | Staff PhotographerAn Arkansas State University student prepares to throw a fris-bee during an Ultimate Club practice.

Sarah Thompson | Staff PhotographerAn Arkansas State University student holds his form after throwing a frisbee during an Ultimate Club practice.

Sarah Thompson | Staff PhotographerA member of the Arkansas State Ultimate Club catches the frisbee at one of his practices.

“The best way for someone who is interested in playing for the team to join is for them to start

coming out on Thursday nights.”

The Arkansas State University Wildlife and Fisheries Club is a student-ran chapter of The Wildlife Society of Arkansas. The members of this A-State club work to bring together people that are interested in wildlife biology and fisheries. They also work to build contacts within the field and increase their knowledge of nature.

The Wildlife Society of Arkansas is a professional orga-nization for people employed or who are actively engaged in various phases of wildlife conservation. Chartered in 1972, it works to help preserve the state’s wildlife.

Not only is the A-State Wildlife and Fisheries Club part of The Wildlife Society, it is also part of The Amer-ican Fisheries Society. The American Fisheries Society is focused on strengthening the fisheries profession, con-serving the fisheries resources and advancing the science behind fisheries. The AFS is also the largest and longest running organization of its kind in the world.

Being the student-ran chapter of The Wildlife Society of Arkansas, the Wildlife and Fisheries Club allows its members to participate in certain outings and have inside information on what is happening with wildlife in the state.

President of the Wildlife and Fisheries Club Geoffrey Payne, a senior Wildlife Ecology and Management Major of Doniphan, Mo., got involved in the club his freshman year after hearing about it around campus. After being lightly involved and doing a few activities he decided to become more deeply involved his junior year.

Payne states, “I heard about the club my freshman year and was interested in the club because I didn’t know any-one else in my major. I did a few small things here and there and my junior year I was a lot more active and went to the Southeastern Wildlife Society Student Conclave with the club.”

The club does many activities throughout the year in-cluding things such as adopting a stretch of highway for the trash pick up program that, with the help of other or-ganizations, keeps our state clean. They also help run bi-ological deer check stations that are essential to a healthy population of wildlife. They help with Ducks Unlimited and Quail Forever activities. Along with these activities, the club hosts multiple fundraisers and educational pro-grams throughout the year.

Not only are the students involved but also the club’s advisor, Dr. Thomas Risch, is very passionate about wild-life conservation and the continuing growth of the club.

Competitions prove to be one of the club members’ favorite aspects of the organization

The club also attends conclave competitions every year for the Wildlife Society. This is some of the members’ fa-vorite parts about being in the Wildlife and Fisheries Club. Student conclaves are competitions hosted at different uni-versities. Wildlife clubs from each university will represent a different section of the Wildlife Society.

The clubs compete in a variety of activities that test both their knowledge and physical ability, according to the Wild-life Society’s website. Students of the Wildlife and Fisher-ies Club are encouraged to go to these conclaves to increase their wildlife knowledge and to network with people in their field of interest. The Arkansas conclave competitions are hosted at the Buffalo National River in the George L. Harp Environmental Field Station.

The members of this club see this as a great opportunity for people of all majors to get involved in nature and with wildlife. It is also a great way for students to build network-ing for future careers in the field.

“I think the Wildlife and Fisheries Society is a great place for people of all majors to get together and talk about na-ture and appreciate wildlife together. The club offers some great opportunities and can help wildlife students get jobs in the future. It also gives us a chance to represent Arkansas State at the Southeastern Wildlife Society Student Con-clave each spring,” Payne said.

The Southeastern Conclave was hosted this year at Vir-ginia Tech on March 12-15.

This semester, the Wildlife and Fisheries Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in Lab Sci-ence East 404. Dues are $15 and if a student would like to get involved or receive more information they can email Geoffrey Payne at geoffrey.payne@smail.astate.edu.

MONDAY, MAR. 30, 2015PAGE 2B

Wildlife and Fisheries ClubBLAKE RYLANT

STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of the Wildlife and Fisheries ClubMembers of the Arkansas State University Wildlife and Fisheries Club enjoy an afternoon canoe trip with their advisor, Dr. Thomas Risch, on one of the rivers in Arkansas.

Students get up close and personal with Arkansas wildlife, nature

Courtesy of the Wildlife and Fisheries ClubA student member of the Arkansas State Wildlife and Fisheries Club climbs a tree to check a feeder.

Courtesy of the Wildlife and Fisheries ClubInteraction with Arkansas wildlife is a major part of what the Wildlife and Fisheries Club does. Here, a student is examining a bat.

Courtesy of the Wildlife and Fisheries ClubThe Arkansas State Wildlife and Fisheries Club pose for a picture in a mountain range in Arkansas. The group takes several trips to areas like this throughout the state, and participate in various activities to help them get a better knowledge of Arkansas nature and wildlife.

MONDAY, MAR. 30, 2015 PAGE 3B

Ping Pong ClubIf you were to go to the Red Wolf Center on Friday at 5 p.m.,

you would immediately see several people furiously paddling away at the center’s Ping Pong tables. These people are not just fans of the sport, but are also members of A-State’s very own Ping Pong Club.

Member Dat Pham, a senior finance major from Vietnam, said the club’s passion for Ping Pong and the close-knit friendship that the club sponsored encouraged him to join. “I joined the club be-cause it gave me the opportunity to meet new players and make friends with them. We’re a very friendly club and very passionate about Ping Pong,” he said.

Three students unite to form the A-State Ping Pong Club

The club’s history began when current club President Dallas Paine, Delong Li and Tian Wang, who are referred to by the club as the “three founding fathers of A-State Ping Pong,” brought the sport of Ping Pong (sometimes called table tennis) to A-State as a registered student organization in 2013.

His freshman year, Dallas Paine, now a junior international busi-ness major of Siloam Springs, started playing Ping Pong with some friends at the Red Wolf Center on Fridays. “It was more of a little get together than a club, but soon other people started coming be-cause the people that I played with were grad-students who knew other people,” he said.

Paine then met the “second and third founding fathers,” Tian Wang and Delong Li, who have both since graduated from A-State, after joining them for a match. “After that Friday, we continued to meet every week,” Paine said.

It was also Li who introduced the not-yet-official club to their current advisor, Dr. Miao Jie, who they knew was another avid fan of Ping Pong.

“Playing [Ping Pong] is great exercise, and I’ve played it since I was young,” Jie said about why he decided to become the club’s faculty advisor. “Having a club makes it really fun and easy to meet other people who enjoy the sport as well.”

As their casual Ping Pong meetups gained more popularity, Paine decided to make it official. “Realizing that people want a place to play pong together at a certain time, I decided to make the Ping Pong Club. All I needed was five people including myself and a written Constitution,” Paine said.

A-State students are not the only ones who take part in the club’s weekly meetings. Several professors, such as biology professor Dr. Guolei Zhou, are also in attendance. “The ratio of teacher-to-stu-dent is about equal. We average about 4-5 doctors every Friday,” Paine said. A lot of graduate students are members of the Ping Pong Club as well.

Ping Pong offers more than just a fun time including health benefits

and a good social experienceMolecular biosciences graduate student Ningning Zhang of

China commented on the health benefits of the sport. She said, “We’re all friends who play here, and most of the time I’m experi-menting in the lab so I really need the exercise to maintain a good foundation for my health.”

The Ping Pong Club also boasts a large number of international students, which allows club members to become acquainted with A-State students and professors from around the world.

“Through the club members I was able to meet other students who knew other students. It was amazing. Soon I was invited to birthday parties and other traditional events like the Chinese New Year,” Paine said about the opportunities and new friends that the

Ping Pong Club has rewarded him. Zhang also commends the club’s diversity and the opportunity

to interact with international students and professors. “We have a chance to play with students from Peru and Vietnam, and we also get to play with the faculty,” she said. “I enjoy playing Ping Pong, and we have fun. This is actually our only exercise!”

Joining the Ping Pong club is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and become active in a sport that is beloved around the world. Many students are intrigued when they see the members playing on Fridays, and some take initiative to join.

José Tovar, a molecular biosciences graduate student from Peru, said, “When I would come over to the Red Wolf Center I would see them playing and so I decided to join in.” He was also attracted by the diversity of the club. “I like that there’s a variety of other people to play with,” he said.

The club is characterized by a passion for the sport and a friend-ly competitive spirit that merely strengthens their comradery. What once started as a relaxed get-together to stretch muscles and strengthen strategy would grow into a club filled with intelligent and diverse friends who are welcoming to anyone interested in join-ing.

“Through the club members I was able to meet other students who knew other students. It was amazing. Soon I was invited to birthday parties and other traditional events like the Chi-nese New Year,”-Ningning Zhang

MICHELLE GOULD & HAYLEY WEBBCOPY EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

Hayley Webb| Staff WriterNingning Zhang, Dallas Paine, Dr. Jason Zhou, Dr. Miao Jie and Dr. William Long, all memebers of the Ping Pong Club, play a match at the Red Wolf Center Friday night. Paine and three other former students are considered the three founding fathers of this registered student organization.

A-State students turn a fun pastime into a creative organization

Hayley Webb| Staff WriterPing Pong Club member Ningning Zhang, graduate studying molecular bioscience, gears up to serve the ball to her competitor.

Hayley Webb| Staff WriterDallas Paine, Dr. Jason Zhou, Dr. Miao Jie and Dr. William Long play a match of Ping Pong. Paine is the president of the Ping Pong Club, and is consider one of the founding fathers.

MONDAY, MAR. 30, 2015 PAGE 4B

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