 "Photo: Photo courtesy of the Vassar College Encyclopedia")
Vassar College has over 125 VSA-certified organizations offering students opportunities to explore any interest at any level. Whatever you are interested in—be it singing, finance, debate, writing, photography, activism, juggling, politics or the outdoors—chances are that Vassar has an organization for you. The following are descriptions of many of the major student organizations on campus.
ACT OUT!
One of Vassar’s most active political organization, ACT OUT! is dedicated to LGBTQ issues on both the local and national levels. “I chose ACT OUT! because, like most people involved with the organization, I was (and continue to be) most passionate about fighting for LGBTQ rights and equality, like Marriage Equality, ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the Safe Schools Act and and transgender rights,” said ACT OUT! President Katie Atkins ’11. “In addition, I joined ACT OUT! because I wanted to meet other students who shared those interests.”
“My favorite part of ACT OUT! is actually the people who are a part of it. When I joined ACT OUT! as a freshman, I was so excited to meet other queer people and allies who shared my interests in activism and social justice and who were passionate about fighting for LGBTQ equality,” said Atkins. “The people I've met through ACT OUT! have become some of my closest friends. For me, ACT OUT! is more than just a student organization, but a true community of activists, LGBTQ students, and allies.”
“Last year, ACT OUT! began working with Sylvia's Place, a shelter for LGBTQ youth in New York City. This year, among other things, we hope to continue working with Sylvia's Place on a larger scale.” Every year ACT OUT! tries to travel beyond Vassar, and last year the organization marched in the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. “In the Spring, ACT OUT returned to D.C. to lobby for ENDA, the Safe Schools Act, and the end of Don't Ask Don't Tell,” added Atkins.
“ACT OUT! gets things done. We don't just talk about fighting for our rights, we go out and do it. To be a part of ACT OUT! is to be a part of the larger fight for LGBTQ equality in the United States. It's an exciting and rewarding experience that you won't forget.”
Students can e-mail ACT OUT! President Katie Atkins at caatkins@vassar.edu.
Aikido
Aikido, pretty obviously, is dedicated to learning the Japanese martial art Aikido. “Aikido is almost impossible to do well if one does not trust one's partner, so the people who come to aikido are people who not only trust their partners but also are trustworthy,” said Aikido President Emily Moog ’11. “I mean that not only on the mat but also off it.”
“The point of the club is to learn aikido, which is a Japanese martial art based on using an attacker's energy against him or her to defend oneself,” said Moog. “It does not require strength - in fact, using strength is often the wrong way to do a technique. Because of this avoidance of brute force, aikido training is mandatory for female police officers in Japan.”
“Potentially interested students should know that the club does not require ANY martial arts training to join (I didn't have any!), that there's no kicking or punching (there's a lot of pushing, wrist-twisting, and hip-wiggling, though), and that we do occasionally have parties (they usually involve the most hilariously terrible martial arts flicks we can find).”
For more information, contact Moog at emmoog@vassar.edu.
AirCapella
Want that a cappella atmosphere without the pesky singing? AirCappella has only one thing to say: whistle. Since its founding in 2005, AirCapella remains one of the few all-whistling groups on the planet. According to co-President Will Efferts ’13, “It can be serious business, but in the end, it's just whistling. Also, one of my favorite parts about AirCappella are the bonds that form after you whistle with someone for an extended period of time. They're indescribable.”
The group rehearses two to three hours per week and performs often at Vassar. “We are also looking forward to attending the International Whistlers' Convention in North Carolina in spring 2011,” said co-President Amy Schindelman ’13.
Interested students can e-mail Schindelman at amschindelman@vassar.edu or Lefferts at wilefferts@vassar.edu and watch AirCappella at www.youtube.com/user/aircappella.
Amnesty International
Vassar’s chapter of this global non-governmental organization is dedicated to fighting for human rights worldwide and making students aware on campus. “As an official student chapter, our main goal is to support this cause and make these global issues known to the Vassar community,” wrote Amy Weintraub ’12. “My favorite part about working with Amnesty International has been learning more about what is going on around me and then being able to actually do something about it.”
“I have met some amazing people, both visiting lecturers and fellow Amnesty members alike, who have taught me so much about the world and what we can all do to make a difference. There is always more to learn, always more to do,” said Weintraub. “You do not have to be an expert on human rights to be a part of Amnesty International; you just have to care. Everyone is welcome at our meetings, and it is never too late to join.”
For more information about Amnesty International, e-mail Weintraub at amweintraub@vassar.edu or amnestyinternational.vsa@vassar.edu.
Asian Students Association (ASA)
According to ASA President Celine Teo Ying Zhen ’11, "ASA is one big family, we hang out during meetings, have dinners together and meet up over breaks. We have a weekly meeting that ranges from learning how to make dumplings to more insightful discussions on Asians and Asian-American issues.”
In addition to their regular meetings, the ASA plans large all-campus events every year. “We plan the annual Lunar New Year dinner and our conference with noted speakers. In the past, we have had Yul Kwon and Helen Zia. This year, we're planning our first ever Mooncake Festival Night Market in September. Think cheap street food and a night bazaar.”
The ASA is also ready for freshmen. “Be part of our big sib/lil sib program and get to know the upperclassmen,” she said.
For more information about the ASA, e-mail vassar.asa@gmail.com and check out their blog, vsa.vassar.edu/orgs/asa.
Ballroom Dance
Since its very beginning in 2008, the Ballroom Dance club has grown in popularity and presence on campus, performing frequently at popular events, such as the Harvest Ball. “The club meets twice a week for an hour at a time and we (the board) teach our fellow students different styles of Ballroom including: Waltz, Rhumba, Tango, Swing, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Salsa, Samba, Merengue and Hustle,” said Ballroom Dance President Mrin Patil. “Because we don't compete, we are a very relaxed club and love members of all experience levels. Those who want to stop by once a week and pick up some steps are welcome as are those members who want to come all the time and perform and knock on our doors at night because they can't remember that one step where your foot goes that way while your body turns the other way and, well, you get the idea.”
“We throw our very own campus wide dance—Fiesta!—which aims to provide a night of dancing to Latin styles and have a showcase where our members can choreograph and dance to original pieces,” said Patil.
One of the most entertaining events thrown by the club, however, is “Dancing with the Professors. “Some time around April, you'll start to see your professors doing a quick step as they write on the board and you can be sure that in about a week or so, they will be up on stage dancing with a student to some sexy samba or a tantalizing tango.”
“Basically, if you've ever thought about, dreamt about, or even heard about ballroom dancing, then you should swing by and give it a try. There's no formality - unless of course you want there to be.”
For more information, contact Patil at ballroom.vsa@vassar.edu or mrpatil@vassar.edu. Also, check out some of the group’s performances on their YouTube page, http://www.youtube.com/user/vassarballroom.
Barefoot Monkeys
You’ll definitely see the Monkeys around campus, but what you may not know is just how much they want to see you. “We're a group of college students who still feel like kids, and want to share the amazement of circus and fire arts with each other and the Vassar community,” wrote Julia Ding ’12. “One big misconception about the Barefoot Monkeys is that we're just a juggling club. The Monkeys started off as a group of jugglers, but we've evolved to become so much more. Everything we know—poi and staff spinning, acrobalancing, juggling, unicycling, devil sticks, and more—we'd love to teach anyone who's interested.”
“The Barefoot Monkeys are anything but static: as a club and as individuals we're constantly growing and changing, and we hope any freshmen who are interested won't hesitate to drop by when we're playing on the quad, even if it's just to say hi.”
For more information about the Barefoot Monkeys, e-mail Ding at juliading.com@gmail.com or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bfmplaytime.
Black Students Union (BSU)
"The most important thing that students need to know about BSU is that if they find issues that pertain to the Black community interesting, then they should check out our meetings," said BSU President Dronile Hiraldo '11. "My favorite part of being involved with the BSU is helping to create this space where people can come in, discuss and work their thoughts/experiences out. It's always refreshing to know that while people in the org have different views, everyone is still able to come together together and have really eye-opening conversations."
BSU holds meetings weekly, though the dates for the fall are still to be determined."some of our regular events are the Black Solidarity Dinner, Souls with Voices, film screenings and what we call "family" dinners (where the organization orders food so that the BSU members can come in, relax and have a good meal)," said Hiraldo. "For next year, we are hoping to put on our second Black Solidarity Conference as well as bring in writers, artists, and professionals from the Black community."
"New faces are always nice to see and I'm sure a new face will come hand in hand with a refreshing new perspective," he added. "I'd love for 2010-2011 to be the year where BSU really shakes things up, and can have conversations/events that haven't quite been touched up or created."
For more information about BSU contact Dronile Hiraldo at drhiraldo@vassar.edu.
Broadway A Cappella
Broadway A Cappella has a fairly self-explanatory name. They are passionate about their showtunes. “I decided to get involved with Broadway A Cappella (affectionately know as BAM!) because I loved how different it was from all the other a cappella groups on campus,” said BAM President Kara Voght ’12. “We have our own special genre--Broadway showtunes--and its very fun to be in a group with a theme. This past year, we dressed up as the characters from showtunes we were singing...it was a lot of fun.”
“Broadway a Cappella typically rehearses 2-3 times a week, the third time being a group sectional,” said Voght. “We're a group that works hard and plays hard, staying focused at rehearsal but having an awesome time singing together.”
For more information about BAM, e-mail Voght at kavoght@vassar.edu.
Camerata
Want to play? Join Camerata, the student run-chamber group for instrumentalists and vocalists. “As a student-run group, our repertoire is determined by the people playing it, and we are the ones that, together, decide how we want to put that music together,” wrote Ellen DeGenarro ’12. “Baroque music is often dismissed as something too high-brow or mild for the ears of a college student, but in our weekly meetings we get to bring out the beauty, delicacy, and sometimes brash statements of music that expresses itself just as well, or even better, than many more recent works.”
“I have specifically chosen music for our first semester concert that I hope will excite everyone who plays and hears it, on multiple levels, and I can't wait to get going,” said DeGenarro. “Our very name is derived from the first titles of "chamber" music, so called not only due to their place of performance, but because chamber music was written for friends to get together and play, simply for the sake of music.”
Instrumentalists (strings and winds!) interested in Camerata can e-mail DeGennaro at eldegennaro@vassar.edu, and vocalists can reach Choral Director Nick Rocha ’11 at nirocha@vassar.edu.
Carribean Students Alliance
“My favorite part of being a part of the Caribbean Students' Alliance is definitely the sense of community that develops at the start of every school year. It is different every year as the members are always changing and it has been fun to see this change happen for the past three years,” said CSA’s president Sherine Thomas ’11. In addition to meeting once a week in the ALANA Center, CSA hosts several major events throughout the year, including Carifest Week and a Soca Party, “which is a spin off of J'ouvert, a huge party that happens in most Caribbean islands that includes throwing paint and water while dancing to Soca music.”
“The Caribbean Students’ Alliance is like a home away from home. Being away from home can be tough at times, but knowing that there are other people on campus who speak the way you do, have similar cultural interests and know about current events back home is comforting.” However, Thomas was adamant that you do not have to be from the Caribbean to get involved. “In fact, there are members on our executive board who are not from the Caribbean … The Caribbean is unique, because our culture is a mixture of many different cultures, as our early inhabitants came from all over the world.College is about learning about new cultures and people.”
Students can e-mail Thomas at shtomas@vassar.edu for more information about CSA.
Catholic Community
President of the Catholic Community Marie Dugo ’11 said that she found a comforting resource in the Catholic Community when she came to Vassar. “Two of the best things about Vassar are its diversity and the opportunities it presents. As much as I wanted to immerse myself in different people and experiences, it was also a great comfort to have a familiar outlet: my Catholicism,” she said. “The Vassar Catholic Community allowed me to meet students, faculty, alumnae/i, and friends of the College and the Poughkeepsie area while sharing our faith in common and with others.”
“As much as the VCC brings fellow Catholics together, it is also part of the larger Religious and Spiritual Life network at the College. In tune with that, any and all members of the Vassar community are welcome to join the VCC for its services, activities, and events,” said Dugo. “Whether joining to explore or to practice yourself, it is definitely a worthwhile experience to have!”
The Catholic Community holds Mass every Sunday in the Chapel at 5 p.m. as well as a weekly meeting, “Catholics and Conversation,” where all members of the Vassar Community are welcome. “We have special seasonal events as well, such as retreats, holiday dinners, and community service opportunities,” said Dugo. “We are also looking to start other all-campus events this upcoming year, such as movie screenings...ideas and suggestions are welcome!”
For more information about the Catholic Community, contact Dugo at madugo@vassar.edu.
Ceramics
Filling an artistic niche at Vassar, the ceramics club gives students materials, tools, and time to work on their craft. “The Vassar Ceramics Club provides students with the means to pursue an interest in the clay arts. Join us to achieve your artistic goals or just to squish some clay and have fun,” said Ceramics Club President Sierra Starr ’12. “The club has studio space at Barrett Clay Works in downtown Poughkeepsie, which includes access to clay, wheels, tools, glaze, and an electric kiln. All skill levels are welcome. Workshops and other events will be offered during the year.”
For more information, contact Starr at sistarr@vassar.edu.
CHOICE
CHOICE works to support Vassar students’ physical and emotional health by promoting an open environment for the discussion of sex and sexuality on campus. “I personally joined at the beginning of my freshmen year, because I was excited about keeping the campus safe and helping to create a comfortable atmosphere surrounding sex and sexuality,” explained current CHOICE President Katie Interlichia ’11. The organization hosts weekly meetings, has bi-annual open houses and brings speakers to Vassar’s campus to discuss subjects relating to sexual health.
For more information about CHOICE, e-mail choice@vassar.edu or visit the CHOICE office in the basement of Jewett House.
College Democrats
A group of politically interested students, the Dems get students involved in both national an local politics. “With midterm elections in the fall, we will be working hard to get students registered to vote and involved in the upcoming races,” said President of the College Democrats Elsie Raymer ’12. Their other activities include canvassing for candidates, hosting political screenings, collaborating with organizations on and off campus, and celebrating elections returns.
The Dems meet weekly. “We're open to anyone and everyone who wants to be politically involved at Vassar!” said Raymer.
For more information, students can e-mail Raymer at elraymer@vassar.edu.
Contrast
Vassar’s very own fashion magazine, Contrast gives students the opportunity to explore fashion and style through writing, photography and design. “Contrast captures the every day creative expression of Vassar students. Contrast is different than other organizations because it not only shows the creative aspects of Vassar, but the magazine itself is a creative outlet,” said Ali Dillulio ’13. “Members of Contrast can focus on what makes the Vassar community distinct while also incorporating their own stylistic and artistic ideas.”
“We want to make some big changes to Contrast next year, so it is an exciting time to get involved!” Contrast will host an open meeting at the beginning of the year for interested students. During the year, writers are responsible to their editors to submit content for the magazine.
For more information, check out Contrast’s blog, contrastvassar.blogspot.com, or e-mail Dillulo at aldillulio@vassar.edu.
Feminine Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA)
Up for a thoughtful discussion or debate? Interested in issues of gender and sexuality? FMLA may be the place for you. “My favorite part of being involved with the group has been getting the opportunity to interact with Vassar students who believe passionately in feminism and issues of gender and sexuality in general. The group strives to create a safe space on campus where these issues might be discussed, and it's always fun getting into arguments, debates, and discussions when you know everyone around you truly cares about the subjects in question and will try their hardest to incorporate those subjects into the frameworks of their daily lives,” said Benjamin Reichman ’11. “I think the only thing to know about F.M.L.A. is that if you have any sort of interest in feminism of any ideological stripe, you are welcome and we would love to have you. Look for the time and meeting place on fliers and stuff. See you there!”
For more information about FMLA, e-mail Reichman at bereichman@vassar.edu.
FlyPeople
“FlyPeople is Vassar's one and only student-run, fun-loving dance group that aims to move its groove thang while entertaining people in the process!” said Co-Administrative Director Rachel Brillon '11.
FlyPeople welcomes all styles of dancers and holds auditions at the beginning of every year, in which they look for the “ability to exert stage presence, execute choreography and, most importantly, express a love for dance.” The group’s only set rehearsal time is on Sunday, though rehearsals are also scheduled throughout the week for work on individual pieces. The group holds its own special performance once a year, though they have also been featured in the Drama Department’s production of Rent and performed in the half-time show at the Faculty-Student Basketball Game last year. “We also took on our biggest even this past Spring: performing in Disney World, Florida,” added Brillon.
“FlyPeople is an extraordinarily close-knit group that offers a creative and fun space for you to not only express yourself through dance, but also spend time with the people who become some of your closest friends at Vassar. It's like a second family (or FLamily, as we like to say) that will always be there - even after graduation!”
For more information contact Brillon at rabrillon@vassar.edu and watch FlyPeople on Youtube at youtube.com/flypeople.
French Club
A space for French experts and casual enthusiasts alike, the French club is your place to discuss all things French. “While we have a lot planned for the year the French Club is not an overwhelming time-commitment. Most of the planning is done during the meetings, and other time spent preparing for or attending events is fun and rewarding,” wrote French Club President Lauren Chin ’13. In addition to their regular dinners in the All Campus Dining Center, the club plans on getting more involved in Arlington’s Annual Street Fair, bringing back French Club dinners with West Point Cadets and traveling further afield to cultural events.
“The French Club is a great way to meet people and share their knowledge and interest in French culture. Everyone is welcome--there is no language pre-requisite to join the club,” said Chin.
For more information about the club, e-mail Chin at lachin@vassar.edu or join them for one of their Freshman Interest Meeting at the beginning of the year.
Future Waitstaff of America (FWA)
For students looking to sing, dance and prepare for a career in food services, FWA, Vassar’s only theater organization exclusively dedicated to musical theater, is waiting with open arms. Since its founding, FWA has become more ambitious every year. Its past productions include Little Shop of Horrors, Godspell, The Full Monty and, most recently, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Hopeful directors submit proposals for shows, which are then voted on by the FWA general body. Cast members are chosen by audition.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, or HFH, brings Vassar students into the community to build houses for low-income families. “My favorite part of Habitat for Humanity has to be meeting with the partner families,” said Habitat for Humanity President Marissa Gauthier ’11. “When we go on our weekend or spring break builds, we often meet the future homeowner. Their stories, gratitude, and strength through the hardest times makes doing HFH one of the most fulfilling experiences I've ever had the pleasure to know.” HFH plans a week-long trip further afield every spring break, usually to somewhere in the southeastern US.
“Once you do HFH just one time, you will never forget how it makes you feel. You will be hooked,” she said. “When you get to Vassar, you're going to sign up for a million orgs and not be able to make it to half of their meetings. With Habitat, you can sign up and go on a build whenever you have a free Saturday morning. Just get on our email list and see what weekends work for you. And I would love to get as many people involved as possible. Look for us at the activity fair! Join us on our VANS trip! It's hammer time!”
For more information about Habitat for Humanity, e-mail Gauthier at magauthier@vassar.edu.
Happily Ever Laughter (HEL)
HEL likes to share responsibilities. “As the head of the group my job is basically limited to scheduling things and writing this description. We're all in it together,” said HEL President Devin Schiff ’11. “HEL is like a trampoline- we all bounce on it and when someone's got a good idea we all jump more to bounce that person to new comic heights. Except it doesn't end with a gruesome leg realignment and a trip to the emergency room. Also we're not good at metaphors, just honoring beloved childhood movies, things with eggs in them, and multiple knifeings.”
Just because there are several comedy organizations on campus, don’t go thinking that they are all the same. “I think what sets us apart from the other comedy groups on campus is our extensive use of cardboard and that we are all having dark hair.” Comedy groups hold auditions at the beginning of the year.
“HEL is lifestyle comedy.”
For more information, e-mail Devin Schiff at deschiff@vassar.edu and watch videos of HEL on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/BootyBearBash.
Helicon
The official mission statement of Helicon is as follows: "Helicon is an organization whose purpose is to serve the needs and expand the creative voice of Vassar’s literary and art community.” The organization publishes an annual literary magazine featuring fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, artwork, photography, essays and plays by Vassar students. In addition to the publication of their magazine, Helicon also hosts events throughout the year, such as writing workshops and a Scrabble tournament
Helicon was named after Mount Helicon, a Grecian mountain, which—according to Greek mythology—was sacred to the Muses, the goddesses said to inspire creativity and art.
For more information about Helicon, or to submit work to the magazine for consideration, email helicon@vassar.edu or attend a meeting.
HipHop 101
"Hip Hop 101 is an org that was created to help promote unity, educate and empower through the culture of hip hop." said Carola Beeney '11 and Kendall Coleman '11, the org's co-Presidents. "To us, this culture means a love and respect for the 4 founding elements of hip hop : emceeing (rapping) djing,b boying (break dancing) and graffiti. We educate ourselves and others about hip hop culture by discussing and promoting these elements, as well as speaking about our personal experiences with them."
Hip Hop 101 organizes several big events throughout the year in addition to their regular Monday night meetings and open break dancing sessions afterward. "Our regular events are a show in November for Hip Hop History Month and Throwback Jam in the spring, but we also host film events, speakers and other events depending on current events," said Coleman and Beeney. Throwback Jam, their biggest event, is an outdoor festival of music, food, and games for Vassar students and local Poughkeepsie residents. "The interaction between the Poughkeepsie community and Vassar campus is also an important element that is irreplaceable in both, while strengthening our ties as a common area with shared values." Beeney and Coleman say that their favorite part of leading Hip Hop 101 is planning all of the events.
"When you can unite a group of students on campus through their love and appreciation for hip hop it always makes for a good time," said Coleman and Beeney. "In the past, we’ve held benefit concerts for Haiti, the Jena 6 and Hurricane Katrina with performers from the New York City area as well as members of the Vassar and Poughkeepsie community. We’ll kick the academic year off with several film screenings about hip hop, so as to further everyone’s understanding and love for the four elements."
"New students should know that Hip Hop 101 is a place where you can discuss, participate in and listen to hip hop music (yes, that occasionally means rapping)," they said. "You do not have to be an expert on all that is hip hop, you just need an interest and a desire for peace, love, and having fun."
For more information about Hip Hop 101 contact Coleman and Beeney at cabeeney@vassar.edu or kecoleman@vassar.edu.
Hunger Action
Hunger Action is a student organization concerned with alleviating hunger in Poughkeepsie and beyond. Members volunteer in soup kitchens and participate in community dinners, and discuss larger issues such as food access, food stamps, sustainability in food sources, local foods and related legislation. "We try to establish a space on campus to talk about these issues, whether on the college, community, national or international level," said President Stephanie Mischell ’12. With this goal in mind, Hunger Action has hosted fundraisers, waged letter-writing campaigns, conducted educational activities and created community service opportunities for students. "If you like food, fun and want to help out, this is the club for you," Mischell concluded.
Want to learn more about Hunger Action? E-mail Mischell at stmischell@vassar.edu for more information.
Iced Brew
One of Vassar’s more unique club sports, this synchronized skating team has grown considerably since its inception several years ago. “It has developed into a team of over 25 members from a variety of figure skating backgrounds, ranging from those who have never skated before, to those who have years of figure skating experience,” said Iced Brew co-Presidents Rob Mele ’12 and Madeline Jacobs ’12.
This growth shows in their competitive success. “The team attends two competitions during the competition season, one of which is the Eastern Regional Synchronized Skating Competition,” they said. “In the past two years, Iced Brew has placed in the top 15 of all open-collegiate teams on the East Coast. In addition, the team has received two gold medals, one at the Terry Conners Synchronized Skating Competition 2008, in Stamford, CT., and the other at the Connecticut Synchronized Skating Classic 2010, in Hamden, CT.”
They don’t only travel to compete. Iced Brew reaches out to the Vassar community to see them in action and to learn. “In order to fundraise, the team hosts Friday Night Skating events, where the team brings Vassar students to the public sessions at the Poughkeepsie Mid-Hudson Civic Center to skate with the team,” said Mele and Jacobs. “At some of these sessions, the team performs an exhibition.”
For more information, contact Mele and Jacobs at synchronizedskating.vsa@vassar.edu and check out their website vsa.vassar.edu/~synchro.
Idlewild
Idlewild Theatre Ensemble is an all-female, non-hierarchical and collaborative theatre group. “We aim to provide opportunities for women in all theatre disciplines to explore the areas of their theatrical interests, as well as educate the Vassar Community about the varying opportunities for women in the theatre,” said Idlewild contact Alexandra Dostal ’13. “It is our intention to produce works that will not only illuminate the roles of women in theatre, but also compel our audience to think about the issues present in today’s society.”
Idlewild hosts two main events during the year. In the fall the group invites campus women, particularly freshmen, to submit their own short plays, monologues and poetry to be used in a completely original show; they also hold auditions for actresses. The second event, which takes place in the spring, is Idlewild’s primary theater production. “Our chosen shows are usually written by women and always have strong social messages,” explained Dostal.
Students can contact Dostal at aldostal@vassar.edu for more information about Idlewild.
Indecent Exposure
Founded in 2004, Indecent Exposure is Vassar’s sole all-female comedy group. “The group was created in response to a very serious lack of female comedians. It not only provides a space for women to come together and share ideas, but also to create smart, unusual, innovative and progressive shows,” explained President Sam Leonard ’11.
Indecent Exposure is the only comedy group on campus to perform both sketch and stand-up, usually staging a minimum of three shows each semester. “Debunking the myth that women cannot be funny, Indecent Exposure shows routinely included sketches, music, video and dance,” said Leonard. The group also runs a side project called SpaghettIE Theater, which provides performance opportunities to all of Vassar’s aspiring comedians.
Leonard notes that Indecent Exposure also holds special events when possible. “Last semester we also brought three female stand-up comedians from New York City to Vassar College for a night of seriously funny comedy by seriously funny women.”
Students who would like to learn more about Indecent Exposure or SpaghettIE Theater can e-mail Leonard at saleonard@vassar.edu.
Knights of Commuknitty
Knights of Commuknitty is a charitable campus knitting group. They use donated yarn to make warm weather clothes to give to Dutchess Outreach, an organization in Poughkeepsie that provides assistance to families in need. Commuknitty also teaches knitting and crocheting to anyone who would like to learn. Explained President Breanna Lee ’11, “Every semester we gather together beginner’s squares to make a group blanket that is also donated to Dutchess Outreach.”
Knights of Commuknitty meets every Sunday at five in Raymond Parlor. “It’s a great chance to take a study break with other crafty people while giving back to the community,” said Lee.
Students can e-mail Lee at brlee@vassar.edu for more information.
The Listening Center
“The Listening Center (TLC) is a 24/7 peer-run hotline that provides anonymous, confidential, and non-judgmental peer counseling to Vassar students,” said TLC’s president Kathryn Romaine ’11. “TLC Listeners are regularly trained by the staff of Vassar’s Counseling Services to handle a variety of issues including, but not limited to, academic stress, depression and anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, and identity concerns. We also offer referrals to on and off-campus resources.”
For more information e-mail tlc@vassar.edu.
The Limit
One of Vassar's premier comedy troupes, or "easily one of the best 30 sketch comedy groups at Vassar College" as Limit President Daniel Files '11 says, The Limit performs three original sketch comedy shows every year, which include videos. Files adds, "Often, in private, we apply glitter and hog's milk to our faces, look up at the moon and howl in ecstatic sorrow."
The Limit will hold auditions in late September. For more information about The Limit e-mail Files at dafiles@vassar.edu or check out their videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thelimitvc.
The Mahagonny Ensemble
According to President Will Healy ’12, the Mahagonny Ensemble was “founded in 2000 by a few students who were inspired to form a permanent group after putting on the Kurt Weill operetta, “Mahagonny Songspiel,” in Matthew’s Mug.” The Ensemble consists of two groups, a choir and a chamber orchestra, which perform contemporary classical music in concert twice each semester. Additionally, noted Healy, “Mahagonny provides opportunities for student composers to have their works performed, as well as for student collaborations with other departments within the arts.”
Rehearsals for the chamber orchestra and choir are held each week. Mahagonny has also recently begun volunteering at the Poughkeepsie Middle School, where they teach students about contemporary classical music.
Want to learn more about the Mahagonny Ensemble? Contact Will Healy at wihealy@vassar.edu and Catherine O’Kelly at caokelly@vassar.edu for information about the chamber orchestra and choir, respectively.
Me.C.H.A.
El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlan, or M.E.Ch.A., was founded in 1999. “We are a chapter of a national organization that formed out of the struggles of the Chicana/o movement in California during the 1960s. As of 2008, we have operated non-hierarchically, under a consensus-based decision-making model,” said M.E.Ch.A. contact Angelica Gutierrez ’13.
In an e-mailed statement, Gutierrez explained M.E.Ch.A.’s mission: “Built on principles of self-determination for and liberation of our gente, we reject all forms of oppression, such as racism and white supremacy, classism and imperialism, homophobia and heteronormativity, and sexism and patriarchy. Specifically, we seek to intervene in these structural forms of oppression as they are manifested within the multiple Chicana/o, Mexican and other Latina/o ethnicities, and Native American communities. We conceptualize this, then, as the liberation of Aztlan.
“We seek, moreover, to raise consciousness and self-awareness of our histories, struggles, and movements from the grassroots perspective and through direct political action, thoughtful reflection, and meaningful discourse, on and off campus.
“Lastly, we strive to maintain close working relations in the barrios, reservations, and rural and urban communities, in order to assist in reaching real justice and equality for our people. We see education as an integral part of this process; thus we are committed to increasing the numbers of our gente on campus, and also creating an open and autonomous space wherein thought and action can be united in praxis.
“Our membership is open to anyone who stands in solidarity with our goals and philosophy. Understanding that everyone’s liberation is connected, we firmly strive to work in solidarity with other groups and peoples striving towards just futures.”
Students can e-mail Gutierrez at angutierrez@vassar.edu for more information about M.E.Ch.A.
Moderate, Independent, Conservative Alliance
Founded during the 2002-03 academic year, MICA is a student organization aiming to further moderate, independent, conservative and libertarian thought and dialogue at Vassar. "As a conservative student at Vassar," explained MICA President Jeremy Bright ’11, "I joined MICA during my freshman year, primarily because I found it intellectually stimulating. However, the organization is far from politically homogeneous; I am continually impressed by the broad spectrum of centrist and right-of-center views that our members hold, which serves to make MICA a vibrant and vital Vassar organization," said Bright.
MICA members meet every Monday at 9 p.m. in the Josselyn House Parlor; in addition to their weekly meetings, MICA often has group dinners, hosts social events and performs campus acitivism. "For example," said Bright, "we recently tabled for John McCain in the College Center during the Presidental election and successfully organized the Keep Coke campaign."
For more information about MICA, contact Bright at jebright@vassar.edu.
The Miscellany News
The Miscellany News has been Vassar College’s newspaper of record since 1866, established just five years after the College’s founding and only one year after the first students arrived on campus. Copies of the weekly print edition of the Miscellany are distributed every Thursday morning. However, the online edition is updated on a daily basis including videos, podcasts, slideshows and blog posts. The Miscellany is always looking for new writers for all sections—News, Features, Opinions, Arts and Sports—but we are also looking for students with a talent for producing videos, taking pictures and creating any other kind of news media you can think of. Reporters of all levels of experience are welcome! The paper meets weekly for a paper critique on Sunday at 9 p.m. in the Rose Parlor and welcomes all students to be involved in any capacity.
For more information about joining the Miscellany e-mail Molly Turpin ’12, Editor in Chief at maturpin@vassar.edu or misc@vassar.edu.
Night Owls
Founded in the 1940s, the Night Owls are the oldest a cappella group on in the history of the College. Today, the Owls perform a variety of music ranging from classic jazz to 90s dance songs and host concerts throughout the year, culminating in a final concert. In addition to their own on-campus concerts, the Night Owls also travel to perform off-campus and host other a cappella groups at Vassar.
Students interested in the Night Owls can e-mail nightowls@vassar.edu. At the start of the year, there will be an a cappella preview show, during which all a cappella groups on campus will perform and offer sign-up sheets for auditions.
No Offense
Originally founded in the 80s under the name “Laughing Stock,” No Offense is a sketch comedy team.
No Offense performs four full-length sketch and video shows per year and makes appearances at benefits and various events throughout the year, such as the Comedy Preview Show held at the start of each year, when all the comedy groups on campus perform their work.
Nordic Team
“The Vassar Nordic Team [VNT] strives to offer [both skate and classic] Nordic skiing opportunities to the Vassar Community on both a competitive and non-competitive level,” said President Laurel Walker ’11. VNT welcomes skiers of all skill levels, including complete beginners, and provides skis, poles, a fully equipped, racing quality hot waxing table and other equipment for those who do not have their own gear.
VNT organizes regular ski trips during the winter months in the Adirondacks and Catskill Mountains, as well as in Vermont. The group also attends races throughout the Northeast in January and February.
Interested students can contact Walker at lawalker@vassar.edu.
No Such Organization
No Such Organization (NSO) is an umbrella group for those interested in gaming, science fiction, fantasy and anime. Members regularly socialize over games, club dinners and movie screenings. “Last year some of our most popular weekly events were Star Trek Night, Metalsmithing and Chainmail, and the Glorious Strategist’s Geeky Board Gaming Circle,” recalled President Carolyn Grabill ’11. The group also maintains a library of specialty sci-fi books, anime and manga that can be loaned out to members.
The group is also responsible for two major campus events: a production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show in the fall, and NonCon, a three-day long comics, anime, gaming and sci-fi convention in the spring. Said Grabill, “NonCon is fabulous because we gather people from Poughkeepsie and beyond who share our interests and passions. In the past few years we’ve had Tamora Piece, Ken Levine and Scott McCloud join us as guests.”
Students can e-mail Grabill at cagrabill@vassar.edu for more information about NSO.
On Tap
Now in its fourth year as a VSA organization, On Tap is a group for anyone who loves tap dancing. This student-run group welcomes new members of all skill levels, whether they have been tapping for years or are eager to learn something new. On Tap has weekly meetings where students lead warm ups, work on basic skills and teach each other original choreography that will be used in their performances at the end of each semester. The organization also provides its members with the opportunity to take additional weekly classes with a professional teacher at a local Poughkeepsie dance studio.
For more information about On Tap, students can contact President Cali Calarco ’11 at cacalarco@vassar.edu. A selection of dances performed by On Tap can be seen on youtube.com by searching for “Vassar On Tap”.
Operation Donation
“Operation Donation was founded in 2003 by Vassar alumnus Jimmy Kelly '09 with the goal of fighting poverty locally, nationally and globally,” explained President Emily Hefter ’12. “The group began buying groceries at reduced prices using coupons they collected, and has since evolved into a larger campaign.” In 2009-2010, this larger campaign has involved weekly food drives, two town-wide canvasses for hunger, poverty awareness weeks and a trip down to Washington, D.C. to lobby for international adaptation. As of this past spring, the group has given over $120,000 and a large amount of food to local shelters.
Operation Donation meetings are held once a week and typically last for an hour. The relaxed nature of the meetings, said Hefter, allows all members to get as involved as they would like to be in the group’s planning and activities. “Operation Donation events and meetings are a great way to meet people with similar interests while working to alleviate local hunger issues and participate in larger awareness and fundraising events.”
For more information about Operation Donation, contact Hefter at emhefter@vassar.edu.
Philaletheis
Founded in 1865, Philaletheis is Vassar’s oldest theater organization. “We function as a production board,” explained President Molly Shoemaker ’12, “which basically means that anyone can propose a production through us.” They produce anywhere from five to nine full-length productions each semester, in addition to various special events. “Our productions are completely student designed, directed and acted,” said Shoemaker.
Shoemaker mentioned the direction workshops, a series of 10 to 15-minute one-act plays, as “a great way to get freshmen, both actors and directors, involved with student theater on campus.” And there are other opportunities for freshmen to get involved with Philaletheis as well: Auditions for full-length productions are held at the beginning of each semester, and the organization also maintains a position on its board for a freshman, which is filled at the start of the year.
Students can e-mail Shoemaker at moshoemaker@vassar.edu for more information.
PHOCUS
Vassar’s student photography organization, PHOCUS gives its members the means to produce both digital and darkroom photography and produces its publication full of its members’ work, Fix, annually. “Members of PHOCUS have the opportunity to access the on-campus darkroom and digital printer, in addition to a number of workshops and mini-courses held by professional photographers on everything from portrait photography to how to use Photoshop,” wrote Lynne Ciccaglione ’11.
Those interested in PHOCUS, student photography or gaining access to the darkroom can e-mail phocus.vassar@gmail.com.
Poder Latino
“Poder Latino is an organization that provides a support system for Latino/as and allies at Vassar College,” said President of the group Indiana Garcia ’11. “We have weekly meetings that either discuss issues plaguing the community or celebrating Latino culture at Vassar, New York, the US and abroad. Apart from our weekly meetings we hold campus wide events at least twice a semester. These events are usually a dinner, conferences, villard room parties, lectures and mug nights.”
For more information, contact Garcia at ingarcia@vassar.edu.
Quidditch Team
The Quidditch Team aims to provide an opportunity to be active and have fun to those Vassar students who do not want to be on a varsity team and who have read and enjoyed the series of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books—or, as co-captain David Bridgman-Packer ’12 said, “for those who feel that the only sports for them involve running around on brooms.”
“I always played sports in high school,” said co-captain Daniel Bossert ’12, “and I was always a huge fan of Harry Potter, so, when I heard that Vassar had a Quidditch team, I knew I had found the perfect activity for me.”
For more information about the Quidditch team, e-mail Bridgman-Packer at dabridgmanpacker@vassar.edu.
Run Vassar
“RunVassar’s mission is simple: to help the members of the Vassar community achieve their running goals,” said Jon Erickson ’11, Run Vassar’s president. Though they run regularly, Run Vassar plans an annual Halloween Costume Fun Run and a Founder’s Day Fun Run.
“Also, be sure to check out the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve. It’s located on the south side of campus across from Hooker Avenue and has miles of dirt trails that run through tall- grass fields and thick woods. Trail maps can be found in a visitor’s box next to the big, red building.”
For more information, contact RunVassar@gmail.com.
Shakespeare Troupe
Shakespeare Troupe is what it sounds like, “Shakespeare Troupe is an ensemble of around 20 designers and actors,” said President of Shakespeare Troupe Molly Shoemaker. “We put on one Shakespeare play each spring. Our productions typically occur outside near the end of second semester.”
Auditions for new members of the Troupe will be held at the beginning of the spring semester. For more information about the organization, contact Shoemaker at moshoemaker@vassar.edu.
Shared Bikes
Have you seen a pink bike or two around campus? Members of Shared Bikes are the keepers of these and the keepers of the keys to Vassar’s bike shop, located in the basement of Strong House. The bikes can be borrowed for a $10 fee that gives the renter a key that will unlock any pink bike on campus. As for the org itself? They keep up the pink fleet, but they are also happy to help you fix your own bike for only the cost of any necessary parts. “It’s a great opportunity to join a small, focused, friendly, and sharp group of students and learn about the inner workings of VSA org,” wrote President of Shared Bikes Paul Misak ’11. “It’s not your traditional committee. It's more like a small group of friends who meet up and try to make this thing work.”
For more information, check out Shared Bikes’ web page sharedbikes.vassar.edu or e-mail question to Misak at pamisak@vassar.edu or to sharedbikes@vassar.edu.
Ski Team
When asked about Vassar’s club ski team, captain Ben Crawford ’11 says, “How does Vassar Ski? We ski fast. We ski pretty. We ski free. Most skiers come to the team with no prior racing experience, but quickly learn to love the sport and the people they do it with in ways they never thought possible. Ski team wants you to join us so we can have more fun this season than a barrel of snow monkeys. So come get away this winter with Vassar’s official ski racing team, the Brewskis. Even if you’re from Florida and have no idea what ski racing is, we still want you for our smashing winter break trip to the illustrious Sugarbush. Everyone has a good time with us because the Brewskis are more than just a ski team; we are a close-knit, yet very welcoming, community. So here’s to McBrine!"
For more information, contact Crawford at becrawford@vassar.edu.
Squirm
One of the first collegiate erotica magazines in the country, Squirm brings its own perspective to sex. "Squirm is a submissions-based magazine, an intelligent and provocative exploration of sex and sexual pleasure,” said Rebecca Levin. “Squirm seeks to create a literary and artistic forum on campus for sex-positive discourse, to blur boundaries, deconstruct assumptions, and explore the many forms and meanings of sex and sexuality. We hope to stimulate your senses, arouse your mind, and turn you on.”
“Squirm welcomes submissions of artwork, photography, poetry, and prose; as well as participation in our various events,” she said. “We are well known for our delicious erotic dessert party, Hot Chocolate, and our Annual Sex Toy Auction. Join us this year as Squirm rekindles old traditions and trailblazes new ones with Erotic Screenings, Erotica Readings, and the first ever Squirm play.”
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For more information, contact squirm@vassar.edu.
Student Activists Union
Concerned with issues both on and off campus, the SAU hosts rallies and other events at Vassar and travels around the country. “The SAU (Student Activists' Union) provides an outlet for student activists to participate in local, national, and international activism,” said Sarah Cohen ’11. Look for their publication, Catalyst, for written work by SAU’s members, or submit some of your own work for publication.
“SAU is a nonhierarchical organization, which means that there is no exec board sitting behind closed doors determining the direction of the organization,” said Cohen. “We operate by consensus, which means that everyone brings ideas to the table and makes things happen collaboratively.”
For more information about SAU, contact Cohen at sacohen@vassar.edu.
Together Opposing Neglect and Child Abuse (TONCA)
“TONCA is an organization that aims to bring local children on Vassar campus to raise money for the Poughkeepsie Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse,” said Holly Norgard ’11. TONCA plans I Won’t Grow Up Day every spring, which is very popular with members of the Vassar Community of all ages. The event creates a carnival-like atmosphere—a welcome respite in the busy Vassar spring—and features a petting zoo and bouncy castle.
“We also host Middle School Mug Night (music from the late 90s and early 2000s- only college students of course!), often play games at meetings, and welcome freshman, as we graduated many seniors and are looking for new people to hold offices.”
For more information about TONCA, e-mail Norgard at honorgard@vassar.edu or co-President Heather Tannenbaum at hetannenbaum@vassar.edu.
Transmission
“Everyone is welcome, whether you're part of the LGBTQ community or a supporter,” said Transmission’s president Laura Van Eerde ’13. “TransMission is an organization that works to make Vassar a more aware, educated, and accepting community of sex and gender variance. It is a safe place for anyone who needs support, advice, information, or just a place to hang with people who understand.”
Transmission holds large and small events, including Trans Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20 and screenings and topical discussions more regularly. “TransMission is an awesome one-of-a-kind group that you won't regret becoming involved with,” said Van Eerde.
For more information, students can e-mail Van Eerde at lavaneerde@vassar.edu.
UnBound
"Unbound is a student-run theater organization that provides the opportunity to stage the unconventional," explained Michael Hirsch '11. "We are a non-hierarchical group that emphasizes ingenuity, collaboration, and risk."
"If you’ve ever wanted to get involved in any aspect of theater, whether it be acting, directing, playwriting, tech, or stage managing, Unbound offers the forum to do so. We invite anyone who is interested to propose an idea for a show, so long as it is an experimental project that doesn’t fit the typical Vassar production." UnBound will accept proposals for directing plays until Sept. 11 at 12 a.m. and will hold auditions for their fall theater season Sept. 16-18. In addition to their main plays, UnBound will host 24 Hour Theater, an event in which plays are written and directed over the course of a single day with a performance at the end of the 24 hours, on Sept. 10.
For more information about UnBound, e-mail mihirsch@vassar.edu.
Unitarian Universalists
Like other religious group, the Unitarian Universalists are a familiar space for Unitarian Universalists and also a place for students to explore their faith. “Unitarian Universalism is a religious faith which encourages practitioners to question and explore their beliefs using our seven principles as a guideline,” said President of the Unitarian Universalits Heather Kobayashi. “These are basic things like respecting people, the democratic process, the web of existence, and the quest for knowledge, which can be combined with creeds of existing religions or unique individual structures of belief.”
“As an org, we function half as a support group, since UU's generally like to talk about their feelings and college is a stressful time,” said Kobayashi. “We also trade off leading worships, which can range from making a collage of your representation of a safe space to reading Zen Buddhist teachings.”
The Unitarian Universalists are also active in the community, “ as social justice is very important to the UU faith, we have fundraisers which often take the form of bake sales,” said Kobayashi. “It's a great place for people to make close friends and take a hands-on approach to exploring their religious faith.”
For more information about the Unitarian Universalists, contact Kobayashi at hekobayashi@vassar.edu.
Ultimate Frisbee
A frequent sight on Noyes Circle and one of Vassar’s myriad club teams, Ultimate Frisbee plays teams at other colleges and frequently attends tournaments. There are two teams—the Boxing Nuns (women) and the Swinging Monks (men). They practice three times a week, and are known both for having tons of fun with their sport and for their dedication to the game.
“Not only do we regularly send teams to Regionals and D-III Nationals, we're all about Spirit of the Game and having a great time!” said Ultimate Captain Michele O’Brien ’11.
For more information about Ultimate Frisbee, contact Captains O’Brien at miobrien@vassar.edu, Laura Betheil '11 at labetheil@vassar.edu, David Neely '11 at daneely@vassar.edu, or Matthew Luk '12 at maluk@vassar.edu.
Vassar Animal Rights Coalition (VARC)
"The Vassar Animal Rights Coalition (VARC) is an organization of committed students who work for the well-being of animals on and off campus,” said Lauren O’Laughlin ’11of her organization. “We raise awareness about animal injustice and how students can get involved via campus-wide events, film screenings, pertinent guest speakers, tabling, tasty vegan dinners and cooking demonstrations. Interested in making a difference in the lives of exploited animals? Join the movement!”
For more information, e-mail O’Laughlin at laolaughlin@vassar.edu.
Vassar Business Club
The organization is all business, beginning with their creation last year, “The Vassar Business Club is a new organization formed through a merger between the Vassar Investment Club and Entrepreneurs Club this past year,” said the org’s president Zachary Zeilman ’12. “We have weekly meetings to discuss current business or financial news, to practice with economics exercises, prepare for interviews, or to have seminars on various topics. Throughout the year we also work on quarterly sector reports for a mock portfolio.”
Next year, the club plans on hosting a variety of lectures, alumni panels, and other events, including participation in business competitions and keeping mock portfolios. The organization is also their to smooth the average Vassar Student’s transition into the real world by helping its members prepare for job interviews and giving them an introduction to the world of business and finance. “The Vassar Business Club aims to make the world of business and high finance accessible to all students through informative and educational, yet challenging experiences and developing necessary relationships with prominent leaders in the field which may be difficult to form otherwise.”
For more information, contact Zachary Zeilman at zazeilman@vassar.edu.
Vassar Christian Fellowship
The Vassar Christian Fellowship (VXF) is a student organization for those interested in exploring, investigating and discussing spirituality and Christianity. All members of VXF meet weekly at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the College Center Multi-Purpose Room, and, throughout the week, members also meet in smaller groups read and discuss scripture.
The VXF also travels off campus for services at several local churches and to take their annual trip through the local Corn Maze.
For more information about VXF, e-mail vxf@vassar.edu.
Vassar College Emergency Medical Services (VCEMS)
Vassar Students owe a lot to this group of their peers. “Vassar College Emergency Medical Services (VCEMS) provides professional, confidential emergency medical care for the Vassar College community during the academic year,” said Captain Sam Black. “VCEMS operates on weeknights from 5pm until 8am, and provides 24-hour coverage during the weekends. VCEMS also provides extra coverage during large-scale campus events. The minimum requirement for riding with VCEMS is CPR/AED certification, but the majority of our members are also NY-certified EMT-Bs.”
The College offers an evening, half-credit class for EMS certification. For more information about VCEMS, contact Black at sablack@vassar.edu and go to their website vsa.vassar.edu/~vcems/.
Vassar College Entertainment (ViCE)
“One of the largest and most active student organizations on campus, Vassar College Entertainment (ViCE) is responsible for organizing the majority of entertainment at Vassar,” said ViCE Director Alison St. Jules. “Almost every night of the week, ViCE is entertaining Vassar students- and every night offers something different. In any given week of the semester, a student can watch a film in Blodgett, attend a comedy night or lecture in UpC, or listen to a jazz band or student musician in the Mug.” ViCE also brings one big acts to campus every year. Past performers have included the Flaming Lips, M.I.A., and Beirut.
“In the past, ViCE has put on about 90 shows each year, making sure that students always have something to see or do.” ViCE brings so many events to campus, and there are nearly as many ways to get involved with ViCE. “ViCE is able to put on so many events every week because it is made up of seven committees, each of which is responsible for a different form of entertainment. The seven committees, each meeting weekly, are: Music, Film, Publicity, Special Events, Jazz, After Hours and NoViCE. These committees work together to represent the interests of every individual on campus, to ensure that every student is entertained.”
“Probably the most exciting aspect of ViCE is that, with the exception of one administrative advisor, ViCE is a completely student-run organization,” added Hanna. “Students are involved in every step of event production- from the very first moments of brainstorming, to the later stages of organization, negotiations, and bookings, to the final execution of the event, Vassar students are there, constantly giving their input and having their voices heard. By being entirely student-run, ViCE allows students to mold the events, improving the events while also granting students invaluable hands-on experience.”
For more information about ViCE, e-mail vice@vassar.edu or reach Allison St. Jules at alstjules@vassar.edu.
Vassar Devils
Named for Vassar’s famous ice cream and brownie dessert, the Vassar Devils try to be as sweet. “‘Vassar Devils’ is synonymous with quality in every price range,” said Julia Hanna ’12. “This affordable a cappella group is seriously fun, and makes listeners say, ‘pour me more!’ It's succulent and juicy, bursting with black cherry and raspberry flavors, yet sports enough power and complexity to raise an approving eyebrow... or two.”
“We are one of a few co-ed a cappella groups on campus. Our repertoire ranges from Backstreet Boys to Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and from songs that make you want to dance to mellow classics,” said Hanna. “We focus on tight harmonies and take great pride in the quality of our music, and we love to share our hard work with the members of the Vassar community and beyond by performing as much as possible.”
“A ‘Vassar Devil’ was (and still is) a tasty ice cream sundae with brownies that was given to incoming freshman of Vassar College. They are scrumptious and wonderful – what else would an acappella group want to be named after?”
For more information about the Devils, contact Hanna at juhanna@vassar.edu and check out their website, vsa.vassar.edu/~devils/. The a cappella groups will perform a preview concert and auditions at the beginning of the year.
Vassar Filmmakers
Students looking for hand-on experience in all aspects of film production need look no further than the Vassar Filmmakers. “The Vassar Filmmakers organization provides an opportunity for all students—regardless of year or major—to make or work on films, supplying professional camera, sound and lighting equipment, plus the guidance and advice for making successful pictures,” wrote the org’s President Grace Statwick ’11. “We're working to have a more visible student film presence on campus. To that end, we'll be repeating last year's successful 24-hour film festival. We may bring back the Halloween all-night horror marathon, with breakfast provided for those who survive through 'til morning. Other than that, our biggest events are our speakers and their attendant screenings.”
Though student filmmakers work on their own projects, the spirit of camaraderie is a huge part of the group. “We do a lot during our meetings-- anything from workshopping student scripts and works-in-progress to holding camera and lighting tutorials,” wrote Statwick. “Next year we hope to have even more hands-on meetings, building props or testing fake blood recipes.”
For more information about the Filmmakers, sign up for their VANS event, check out their table at the Activities Fair, e-mail Grace Statwick at lestatwick@vassar.edu or go to their website vsa.vassar.edu/orgs/vassarfilmmakers/.
Vassar Haiti Project
The Vassar Haiti Project, in the words of Annie Massa '13, who is in charge of its blog, is an organization that sets ambitious goals and meets them. "VHP began with the purpose of building a schoolhouse in Chermaitre, Haiti–a goal which it achieved in 2008 with the construction of a brand new seven-room schoolhouse. Since then the VHP has taken on four new efforts including water purification, reforestation, medical care, and emergency relief." The VHP is about to enter its ninth year, and its fundraising sales of Haitian art have become a staple of the College Center. "All of the paintings sold by the VHP arrive as unstretched canvases, and it takes a dedicated group of volunteers to stretch them and prepare them for the annual Parents Wee Auction and other sales and gallery showings throughout the year," says Massa.
"Getting involved with the VHP is a great way to learn about Haitian culture, selling art, publicity and marketing, and Vassar's international community."
For more information, please contact Director of International Services and Special Projects Andrew Meade, who co-founded the organization, at anmeade@vassar.edu, or visit the Vassar Haiti Project blog http://blogs.vassar.edu/haitiproject/.
Vassar International Student Association (VISA)
VISA might be considered a window into the incredible diversity of Vassar’s student body, or it might simply be a space to meet up with friends. Or both. “Its mission is to address the specific needs of the international community on campus, and integrate the international and American cultures,” said VISA’s President, Naa Barkor Pierre ’12.
VISA is especially active early in the year as it welcomes new international students, but it keeps up an impressive schedule of events all year long. “VISA hosts various internationally themed events throughout the year such as Mardi Gras, a carnival celebration; Kaleidoscope, the international food festival; and other events intended to make Vassar a ‘home away from home’ for the international students. Though VISA is largely comprised of foreign students, the organization welcomes anyone who feels ‘international’ or who just wants to learn about various cultures,” said Pierre.
For more information about VISA, contact Pierre at napierre@vassar.edu or visa@vsa.vassar.edu.
Vassarion
The Vassarion is the official Vassar yearbook. Founded in the mid-19th century, the Vassarion is published each spring, commemorating the graduates and notable events of that year.
The Vassarion does not hold mandatory weekly meetings; instead members meet in the beginning of the year to divide responsibilities—after that, the editor meets with each section’s members periodically.
Vastards
One of Vassar’s many and varied a cappella groups, the Vastards call their music “nostalgia pop,” which Vastards President Anne Furr ’11defines as “those pop songs that you loved- or loved to hate- in middle school. We draw most of our repertoire from the ’80s and ’90s and recently broke through into the millennium, the decade not the Backstreet Boys Album.”
The Vastards hold auditions at the beginning of the year and rehearse for two hours, three times weekly. “The group is a serious commitment, one that requires members to get a lot done during rehearsals, but it is also an opportunity to meet those people who become some of your closest friends at Vassar.”
For more information about the Vastards, contact Furr at anfurr@vassar.edu. In addition, at the start of the year, there will be an a cappella preview show, during which all a cappella groups on campus will perform and offer sign-up sheets for auditions.
VC Soundsystem
"VC Soundsystem is an alliance of student DJs dedicated to perfecting their craft and providing top-notch entertainment to their peers," said VC Soundsystem President Nick Inzucchi '11, who is also known as DJ Olmec. " At weekly meetings its members swap music picks, plan events and train newbies to rock the 1s and 2s. Full of diverse interests, VCSS is home to rave junkies, electro aficionados, dubstep darklords and crate diggers alike. What's more, members gain access to an arsenal of professional sound and lighting gear to make every outing a success."
"The best thing about this club is its hunger for collaboration," said Inzucchi. "We're consistently working with other student orgs to launch events, with the end result being explosive parties and a rich DJ culture on campus." The club's largest event is the semi-annual Shiva Rave in which the DJs take over the Susan Stein Shiva Theater. "In addition there's Afterglow, a high-energy showcase of young DJ talent, Farm Rave--an all-night takeover of the Vassar Farm--as well as countless 'unofficial events. Join up!"
For more information e-mail Inzucchi at niinzucchi@vassar.edu.
VCPUNX
Whether you make heavy metal music or just like to listen to it, VCPUNX is a great organization and resource for you. “VCPUNX is vassars only DIY booking collecting, providing venues for campus and local bands to play heavy music at loud volumes,” said Hannah. This organization hosts more than seven shows per semester as well as other events to bring together enthusiasts, and they always include at least one showcase of student bands in their line-up.
“VCPUNX is a great way to learn about new music and meet people who share your love of punk, hardcore, metal, and pretty much anything else. If you have a band and are interested in playing please let us know and we will set it up,” wrote Hannah. “I am technically the president, although we are run democratically, so decisions are made by the group as a whole.”
For more information about VCPunx, e-mail vcpunx.vsa@vassar.edu
Women of Color Alliance (WOCA)*
This open and non-hierarchical organization brings together anyone interested in women of color issues on any scale, from campus to the world. Participants are welcome to attend any or all of their regular screenings and conversations, which the club will advertise. “We approach a number of issues in a comparative way in which the struggles of various communities of color are brought into conversation with one another,” said Jahleesa Johnston ’11. “Every year we organize a WOCA Speak Out in which WOCA members and faculty are invited to read poetry and other pieces of literature in celebration of the lives and resistance of women of color.”
To learn more about WOCA, e-mail Johnston at jajohnston@vassar.edu.
Woodshed Theater Ensemble
“The Woodshed Theater Ensemble is a student-run collaborative theatre ensemble that generates two full-length productions each academic year, ranging from Shakespearean comedies to contemporary dramas,” said Woodshed’s contact person Gabby Gottlieb ’12. “Members participate in all aspects of the dramatic process in a non-hierarchical and creatively supportive environment. Woodshed rehearses 8-10 hours a week.”
Perhaps an example of the group’s range, last year Woodshed produced the raucously funny Brides of the Moon, by the Five Lesbian Brothers, and the tragic Blood Wedding by Frederico Garcia Lorca.
For more information, students can e-mail woodshed.vsa@vassar.edu or attend their open rehearsals in the fall.
WVKR
Vassar’s very own radio station with listeners on campus as well as in the local area. “What began as a twice-a-week, 15-minute broadcast on WGNY in 1938 grew into Vassar’s very own radio station,” said General Manager of WVKR Leander Brotz. While Vassar students have been broadcasting since the thirties, the station itself was established in 1972. “WVKR now broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and its programming now includes shows put together by students and programs created by members of the greater Vassar community.” Programs run the gamut from talk to politics to all manner of musical tastes.
“WVKR is an exceptional independent radio station. The station has a large base of community listenership and provides students with the opportunity to become fluent in the field of broadcast radio. WVKR also owns a vast vinyl and CD collection through which students may enrich and expand their musical interests.” The organization holds the occasional all-staff meeting, students can get involved by applying for their own show.
Look for WVKR’s table at the Activities Fair. For more information about applying, check out their website, wvkr.org, or send questions to Leander Brotz at cobrotz@vassar.edu.
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