or students interested in all things media, there is a new media club on campus. In fact, the club is so new that it is currently without a name.
The group was tentatively called the “Digital Media” club. However, its members decided it was time to find a new name, in order to prevent the purpose of the club from being limited.
“Thinking [about] the future of where this club could go, we don’t want to be locked into this idea of ‘digital only’,” member of the Department of Communication faculty, Mary Gould said.
At the most recent meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 22, a few names were thrown around: “Fun DMC,” “BilliCAN” and “the Group Formerly-Known as the Digital Media Club.” But as of press time, the club remains unnamed.
Different faculty members in the Art and Communication Departments, including Gould, thought up the idea for the club, which is still in its developmental stage.
It will serve as a creative outlet for both students and staff.
Media-minded students, whether involved in graphic design, audio, computer science or print, are encouraged to become involved.
The club plans on collaborating with clients both within and beyond the Saint Louis University community on marketing and graphic design projects.
Guest speakers and trips to local creative agencies are also on the agenda. For students, the club will provide mentoring and network opportunities.
Members of the group maintain that they want it to remain open to growth and different ideas.
“In this [that] stage, it is important we not restrict ourselves,” club member and junior Ryan Natoli said.
The club presents members with a collective and equal environment.
“Students and professors work side-by-side. Everyone gets the chance to learn and explore,” faculty and club member, Chris Chavez said. “Our ideas count the same as their ideas.”
The group has shied away from electing officials for the same reason.
The club gives faculty a chance to pool their resources and allow others to learn from these experiences.
“The effort is to be really collaborative between students and faculty,” Gould said.
“All these faculty members on our campus…have really great experiences.”
The club provides an opportunity for students to have hands-on experiences, different from more technical, abstract learning provided in classes.
“We’re trying to merge what we do here in the classroom- the very theoretical and intellectual work- with the creative aspects of doing work,” Gould said.
“It seems like something our students are really on board with.”
She describes how the club has sparked interest among students from different majors and disciplines.
“Communication, Fine and Performing Arts [students], students from the film program, they all have an interest in creative opportunities; that’s what we are really trying to give our students,” Gould said.
The club meets every Wednesday in Xavier 208 at 3:30 p.m. Those interested are encouraged to contact Gould at [email protected].