This article originally appeared on pages 10 and 11 of the No. 5 April 2025 edition of The Gettysburgian magazine
By Sarah Daniels, Content Manager
China Unboxed
China Unboxed, also known as the Chinese Culture Club, is advised by associate professor of Chinese in East Asian Studies Jing Li. Run by president Ryan Hong ’27 and vice president Flavia Vo ’27, the club has successfully run several events, including a dumpling party with Language House and the Japanese Culture Club in the basement of the Office of Multicultural Engagement.
As stated by Melanie Flynn ’27, the club’s public relations officer, the mission of China Unboxed is “to introduce and share Chinese culture with the Gettysburg College community.” They continually hope to “bring more awareness about Chinese culture and through this awareness, encourage the college to host more U.S.-China relation programs and diversify global relations in Gettysburg.” Flynn expressed that she wishes the student body knew about China Unboxed. Despite this, the aforementioned dumpling party was a success, and the club plans to continue centering cultural, food, and games along with “trivia and plenty of learning opportunities!” For those interested in joining, the club is accepting new members. “No language background is required, but if you are studying Chinese, this is the club for you!” Contact Flynn at flynme02@gettysburg.edu to learn more.
Zoology Club
The Zoology Club, founded by president Morgan Nieman ’27 and vice president Bella Santiago ’27, promotes its mission of providing “a space for students to learn about animals and sub fields of biology that work closely with organisms” with the help of advisor Michael Caldwell, associate professor of biology.
The club has plenty of interesting opportunities for animal enthusiasts, as Niemann discusses events, past and future: “The club hosts information sessions by biology professors on organisms and topics of their particular interest. In addition, we host an event in the anatomy and physiology lab observing the animal systems on the anatomage tables. Lastly, we will co-sponsor the trip to the Smithsonian Zoo in DC.”
If interested, there are no membership requirements, and club members can suggest event ideas and meeting themes. “We are just looking for people who like to learn about animals and/or anyone interested in becoming an exotic veterinarian.” Contact Nieman at niemmo01@gettysburg.edu to join or learn more!
Anti Racist Coalition
The Anti Racist Coalition is a group of students “who maintain an interest in the destruction of racial discrimination.” Their mission statement continues:“Empirically and presently, we constantly see blatantly and flagrantly racist behavior and actions from students, staff and community members met with indifference.”
Their goal is to analyze racism on campus, the reactions to it and connect these findings to broader, global issues. President Ouyme Toure ’27, faculty advisor Alauna Safarpour from the political science department, and the officers will host “informational discussions on anti-racism and racism, educational seminars and written publications on different global or domestic political, social and humanitarian issues, and interdisciplinary policy presentations in collaboration with faculty.” Toure wishes students knew that the club events rely on discussion to make meaningful connections and that the club “encourages attendance & participation at our events/meetings from interested community members, regardless of racial, political, etc. identities.”
The club is accepting new members and has no membership requirements. Email tourou01@gettysburg.edu for more information.
Brazilian Student Association
Laura de Matos Leal ’25 started the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) “to establish a relationship between Gettysburg College and Brazil, creating a platform for Brazilian and non-Brazilian students to engage in initiatives that promote Brazilian culture.”
Along with increasing familiarity with Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language, the club hopes to support Gettysburgs’ Brazilian students, prospective and current alike. BRASA will host events like panels, networking and learning collaborations, speakers, and cultural celebrations. All students and community members looking to learn about Brazil, including culture, traditions, and language, are welcome to join. Reach out to president Laura Leal for more information at lealla01@gettysburg.edu.
Project 26
Project 26 is returning to campus after its initial debut during the latest presidential election cycle. The mission remains mostly the same, which is “to provide students a resource and an outlet to share their thoughts and opinions regarding how they view the nation currently. We wish to encourage youth engagement when it comes to expressing their civic duty.” Started by president Joan Flores ’28 with faculty advisor Douglas Page from the political science department, the goal is “to hear from the groups of voters who are the least represented across all demographics.” The club is looking for other clubs to collaborate to reach more students. This coming fall, the group plans to focus on voter registration and mobilization.
Events will be looking to reach students to learn what young people think about the direction of the nation. Flores wishes students knew that Project 26’s “spring survey is fully non-partisan. We are looking to understand how our generation is viewing politics differently, regardless of our parties. New members are being accepted, and “all people are welcome to contribute their perspectives!” Reach out to rodrjo01@gettysburg.edu or danisa02@gettysburg.edu for more information.
Editor’s Note: The author of this article works for the organization Project 26
Dominican Student Association
The Dominican Student Association (DSA) was started by president Angelin Segura ’27 and faculty advisor Verónica Calvillo of the Spanish department. The club aims “to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all Hispanic/Latino students, with a particular focus on Dominicans.” Through highlighting Dominican history, traditions, and strong sense of community, DSA “hopes to foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride among Dominican and Hispanic/Latino students by providing a space where they can connect, share experiences, and celebrate their heritage.”
Expanding their impact and events to the wider Gettysburg community is a focus by hosting “different types of events like game nights, dance lessons, info sessions where we focus on social issues, little feast/cookouts and festivals.”
The club is open to everyone and suggestions are always welcome for events and meetings. Follow the organization’s Instagram at @gburgdsa for more information.
