NIC for years has been combining student’s passions, hobbies, interests and skills into clubs. These clubs range from academic leadership clubs such as Phi Theta Kappa to Outdoor Pursuits clubs such as Snow Riders. Each of the 25 clubs is created by students and for students to bring people with common interests.
One of the most noted clubs on campus is Phi Theta Kappa. PTK focuses on three hallmarks: leadership, scholarship and fellowship among students. They play their role by helping the community through service projects such as road cleaning and running a local spelling bee. PTK also meets twice a month with an officers meeting and a general meeting. They have social gatherings emphasizing fellowship.
Another event they hold is an honorary scholarship study in which they host a discussion on a particular topic. Pat Lippert, an advisor of PTK, said students who are involved, aspire to work their hardest and continue to succeed throughout their college career. Lippert also explained the meaning of Phi Theta Kappa as Phi meaning wisdom, Theta meaning aspiration and Kappa meaning purity. In order to become a PTK member students need a 3.5 GPA and 12 credits worth of classes. There is a $50 entrance fee. PTK creates an opportunity for students to excel outside of their school environment.
An Outdoor Pursuits club, Snow Riders is a club for those into the winter season and its gear. Snow Riders allow students to learn about the newest gear. They discuss what is new in the snow sport world and what products they recommend. Using this knowledge, they can join the ski trips in Outdoor Pursuits and hit some of the local mountains like Schweitzer and Lookout Pass.
Bill Stiegemeier, a sophomore, said he was looking into joining the Outdoor Pursuits club to go skiing.
“I’m looking into it because I think it’s a good way to get involved with the school and do what I love at the same time,” he said.
Students For Progressive Change is a club created to build awareness regarding the environment, politics and socio-economic issues. These students discuss the issues that they feel not only have a local effect but a global effect. They are aware of the problems in today’s world and what needs to be done to help and hopefully, stop these problems. There is a motivational piece they bring to the community in order to help stop the damage to the planet that is happening in the present and that could happen in the future. Anyone with an interest in trying to help can join Students For Progressive Change by contacting John Jenson.
For students interested in forming their own club there are ICC Club Organization packets in the ASNIC. The packet goes over finances and the ways these finances will be met, who will fill each role in office for the clubs and what the club’s main purpose is. Ten signatures of people who will join the club are required for the club to be started. The packet covers the basics of the club creating process and helps you get your club’s feet on the ground.
