Clubs kick-off new semester

The National Communication Association of Students, Alpha Sigma Alpha and the Public Relations Student Society of America hosted events. The Social Work Student Association, newly-formed last semester, held their first-ever club event.

According to Cayla Carter, senior and SWSA’s club’s secretary, a professor had the idea to start the club. The purpose of SWSA is to connect students through service and plans yearly domestic or international service trips.

Students were officially introduced to the organization by club officers, each of whom has a committee: a multimedia committee, a Spanish workshop and global outreach committee. Each committee gives members a chance to do community service and participate in outreach projects and workshops.

Seventeen SWSA members will head to Guatemala this year to help families and volunteer at an orphanage. Fundraisers are being planned to help cover the cost of the trip, including a February crepe sale and possibly a 5k run.

The National Communication Association of Students, created last March, held an event for communication students to eat pizza, network and meet their professors outside of the classroom.

Members sat down with communication advisor Gae Robinson and professor Nancy Tobler, who was described by her students as a “communication genius” and “someone who fights for you to stay in school and do well.”

Professors discussed the wide ranges of careers communication students can pursue, including health care and politics. The diversity within the communication field was apparent, in the discussion and the students themselves.

Amber Bruderer plans on going into relationship counseling. Sara Spencer hopes to find a job with a non-profit organization. Sarah Roring will be a stay-at-home mom, but still wanted to be involved with “pretty much the best professors at UVU.”

Tristan Wilkey, who plans on becoming a high school math teacher, has a double-major of communication and mathematics.

Members of Alpha Sigma Alpha sat around a table to talk while they played a game.

“Everyone is really different, so they bring a lot to the table,” said Sarah Schwartz, the organization’s vice president.

The sorority’s focus is personal growth and service. They support the Special Olympics and Girls on the Run. Alpha Sigma Alpha was officially recognized in 2011 but has existed in some form since 1901.

“Women of poise and purpose is one of our mottos,” said Madison Davis, Alpha Sigma Alpha Vice President of Alumni.

After the departure of many members last semester, the sorority is on the lookout for “PNMs,” or potential new members, said one club member.

Members said Alpha Sigma Alpha offers the chance to learn leadership skills, attend national conventions, provide service and share bonds with other girls.

The Public Relations Student Society of America held a fashion show focused on how to dress stylishly and appropriately in the workplace. Members had the opportunity to connect with faculty advisor Stephen Whyte, who was voted the 2012 National PRSSA Advisor of the Year.

“UVU PRSSA is stepping it up this year,” said Chloe Nielsen. “All of the events will be super cool.”