By Alyssa Poteat
Exploring Campus Life: A Guide to the Divers Clubs and Organizations That Unify Students
The college experience is more than just academics to a student. There are various activities students of William Peace University can join to stay engaged with campus life whether it’s athletics, an on-campus job, or even joining a club/organization.
According to SGPA data in 2023 there were 15 clubs/organizations. However, that number increased by five clubs in 2024, allowing students of WPU to join a variety of clubs that meet their interests.
So, what clubs/organizations do we have here at WPU? Let’s take a look!
15 Below Student Theatre Company
President: Daisy Byungura (dmbyungura@email.peace.edu)
15 Below is a club centered around all things Theatre. Whether it’s putting on a performance, or attending an action workshop, 15 Below does it all!
According to Evan Maurer, the secretary for 15 Below, “15 below is a theater based RSO that’s supposed to help its members explore the various aspects of theater and help them find performance opportunities,”
Their meetings are bi-weekly on Fridays from 4-5 PM and located at Flowe 214.
Black Student Union at WPU
President: TJ Hill-Johnson (tmhill-johnson@email.peace.edu)
The Black Student Union is a club dedicated to the positive representation of the Black community on and off William Peace University’s campus.
Elisha Thomas, the Chief Communications Officer for the club notes, “The organization promotes proactive leadership, scholarship, and community outreach,”
“We champion for unity and community across campus regardless of one’s community membership, BSU hosts events to shine a light on the experiences and excellence of its members,” Thomas said.
You can join in during their bi-weekly meetings on Thursdays from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in Flowe 110.
The Creative Club
President: Jacob Trump (jrtrump@email.peace.edu)
The Creative Club at WPU is a newly established club aimed at promoting creativity across campus.
According to Jacob Trump, the club’s president, he says “Creative Club looks to create a space where WPU students can learn and practice different artistic mediums like drawing, photography, writing, and more!”
“The club offers workshops so students can learn about each medium and allow them to practice themselves and everyone in any level of art is welcome.” Trump said.
The Creative Club meets bi-weekly on Tuesday/Thursdays at 6 PM in the lecture hall (Flowe 110).
Exercise & Sports Science Club at WPU
President: Kayleigh Griffith-Teemer (kngriffith-teemer@email.peace.edu)
The Exercise and Sports Science Club is a club that has been established for all students, regardless of their major, to come and learn about Exercise and Sports Science.
According to Mya Sampson, the Treasurer for the club, “The Exercise and Sports Science Club provides students with opportunities to engage in activities related to fitness and health goals,” She said. “The club promotes wellness through educational events, hands-on experiences, and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.”
The club meets every Thursday at 6:30 PM in the Exercise and Sports Science lab located in Ross Basement.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
President: Sophia Monica (smonica@email.peace.edu)
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a club open to all, not just athletes.
The president, Sophia Monica, notes that the club meets weekly.
“FCA is a Christian club built to spread His message and bring WPU students to Christ. We believe in community building through the Holy Spirit and lifting up others in our community,” Monica said. “We meet every week for fellowship, fun, and food.”
The club meets every Monday at 7:30 PM in 2nd Finch.
Future HealthCare at Peace
President: Abdul Qurneh (ajqurneh@email.peace.edu)
Davis Kelly, the vice president of the Future HealthCare at Peace club notes that the club started recently, with a good cause in mind.
‘In the 2023 – 2024 school year, Future Healthcare at Peace held a homeless health clinic in collaboration with the Salvation Army on Capital Boulevard, effectively connecting underserved community members to health resources,” Kelly said.
“In addition to our clinic, Future Healthcare also certified nearly 20 students in CPR and AED from the American Heart Association, all at no cost to its members,”
The club is still in the process of setting up and meeting all of the requirements to be a Registered Student Organization, so they do not have an official meeting time and location yet.
Gaming Club
President: Breanna Downie (bldownie@email.peace.edu)
The Gaming Club is focused on physical and electronic games, bringing people together who all have an interest in games of all kinds.
Breanna Downie, the President of The Gaming Club, notes that they partake in many fun activities during their meetings.
“The Gaming Club fosters an inclusive and creative community that comes together to play games!” Downie said.
“We strive to encourage the exploration of all types of games through our meetings and events, we have a laid-back and fun vibe while sneaking in some educational content for our membership.”
The club meets monthly on Wednesday at 7:00 PM, typically in the collaboratory.
Gender & Sexuality Alliance
President: Harrison Oakley-Garcia (ggarcia@email.peace.edu)
The Gender and Sexuality Alliance is a club open to all, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
According to the President, Harrison Oakley Garcia, “The Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is a club that creates a safe space for LGBTQ students and welcomes in allies as well.”
The club meets bi-weekly at 5 PM in Flowe 114, the dates change depending on the week.
Green Team
President: Nicky Taylor (mataylor@email.peace.edu)
The Green Team at WPU is a club dedicated to environmental responsibility.
According to the President, Nicky Taylor, “Green Team is an RSO dedicated to helping students live sustainable lives on and off campus,” They said. “We educate Pacers through interactive events and we help the Raleigh area by participating in clean-ups and gardening projects.”
The Green Team meets monthly on Thursdays from 4-5 in Flowe 111.
Impact Cosplay
President: Rebecca Duke (rkduke@email.peace.edu)
Impact Cosplay is a club open to everyone interested in all things Cosplay. Students attend conventions, have Cosplay workshops, and do a group Cosplay every year. Rebecca Duke, president of Impact Cosplay notes that Impact Cosplay is a place for all.
“The Impact Cosplay Club at WPU is a vibrant community for students who share a passion for cosplaying and costuming from a range of anime, movies, video games, and more.” Duke said.
“We provide a welcoming space for self-expression, fostering a tight-knit group of fellow enthusiasts who celebrate the art of costuming. Through this shared interest, students meet others with similar interests and discover new ways to immerse themselves in the fictional worlds they love.”
Impact Cosplay meets monthly on Thursday at 5:00 PM in Flowe 110.
Mock Trial Team
President: Mia Rumachik (mmrumachik@email.peace.edu)
The Mock Trial Team is a club dedicated to educating its members of the legal system and its processes.
According to the President, Mia Rumachik, notes that the club is open to all, not just for those who are actively pursuing a political science major.
“The Mock Trial Team works to advance students’ understanding of the legal system and legal processes.” Rumachik said.
“Members are encouraged to promote discussion surrounding court cases, learn proper court etiquette, discuss the way of handling cases from the prosecution and defense standpoints and finally compete against other schools in competitions. The club will help develop critical thinking skills as well as public speaking skills, which are both essential when working within the legal profession,”
The Mock Trial Team meets Bi-Weekly on Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 PM in Flowe 220.
Peace Through Strength
President: Michelle Watts (mwatts@email.peace.edu)
Peace Through Strength is a club focused on all things weight lifting. Michelle Watts, the president, notes that the club is open for all.
“Peace Through Strength offers students a space to build strength and refine lifting skills within a supportive community.” Watts said. “Open to all experience levels, it’s a place to grow, connect, and pursue personal fitness goals alongside peers!”
Peace Through Strength meets weekly on Thursdays at 4:15 PM in the Pacer Performance Center.
Psychology Club
President: Francesca Diaz Del Olmo Calvo (fdiazdelolmocalvo@email.peace.edu)
The Psychology club is open to all members interested in learning more about human behavior. Their president, Francesca Diaz Del Olmo Calvo, notes that the club is open to all, regardless of their major.
“The Psychology Club looks into interesting topics like behavior and mental health through movie nights, guest speakers, and hands-on activities.” Diaz Del Olmo Calvo said.
“Everyone is welcome regardless of their major! Joining the club is a great way to expand knowledge and network with peers.”
The Psychology Club meets monthly on Tuesdays at 8:00 PM virtually.
Student Government & Programming Association
President: Alyssa Poteat (aapoteat@email.peace.edu)
(You can also contact them with student concerns at SGPA@peace.edu)
The Student Government and Programming Association serves as the liaison between the student body and campus partners. They also work to put on fun events and traditions for the student body.
This organization is the only organization on campus with paid leadership positions, elections are starting in the second semester, and SGPA encourages students to keep up with PacerEngage for more information.
Unfortunately, the meetings are closed off to the student body, but follow them on Instagram here to keep up with the events they put on!
Wired!
President: Ashe Draxinger (afdraxinger@email.peace.edu)
Wired! Is a club dedicated to advocating for disabilities across the WPU Community. According to Ashe Draxinger, the President of Wired!, the club is “A student disability advocacy club on WPU campus.” Draxinger said.
“We strive to make sure all students (with or without a disability) are seen, heard, and advocated for.“We also strive to teach others about the many disabilities others face day to day,”
Wired! Meets bi-weekly every Wednesday at 5 PM in Main Parlor.
Photos taken by Alan Woodward.