Imagine a group of college students united by a common interest coming together to enjoy that interest, build community, and further the Gospel of Christ. This is the essence of student organizations at Cedarville University. Whether your passion is rock climbing or esports, creative writing or improv comedy, politics or economics, Cedarville’s student organizations offer something unique for everyone. Every student should get involved with a student organization on campus because it helps build deep, Christ-centered community with other students who share similar passions. Becoming involved in an organization also looks excellent on a resume. Student orgs can help build soft skills like commitment, communication, and leadership as well as hard skills related to the org you’re in!
Student orgs have been a highlight of my time at Cedarville. My first experience with student orgs was with Tau Delta Kappa (TDK), the honors student organization here on campus. This group strives to create community through service and intellectual stimulation. As a freshman, I had no idea how to get plugged in on campus and make friends. Right away, an upperclassman invited me to join TDK. She told me all about the service projects, mentorship, trivia nights, community dinners, worship nights, and yearly events they offered, and I was sold. Through TDK, I made incredible friends that made my freshman year truly unforgettable. We ate lunch together nearly every day, sat together in chapel, had movie nights, celebrated birthdays, had snowball fights, and studied together.
One of my favorite memories with TDK was after a worship night, when we exited the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies to see the first snowfall of the year. One of my friends had never seen snow before, so we all helped build his first snowman. There was only a small dusting of snow, so the snowman was barely six inches tall, but it was an unforgettable moment filled with laughter.
The most important thing I learned while involved with TDK was the importance of mentorship. Through their mentorship program, I was matched with a girl who poured into me and gave me valuable guidance throughout the ups and downs of life. Her encouragement and advice were invaluable, and we continued our mentorship relationship until she graduated. Because of TDK, I became a better communicator, learned to have hard conversations to resolve conflict in a Christ-honoring way, and broadened my knowledge of philosophy and theology.
(Pictured Left: TDK Birthday Party for Grace Zadnik. Pictured Right: TDK Princess Bride Movie Night)
TDK was just the beginning of my student org involvement, though. During my freshman year, I also became involved in the Economics Club, which hosts diverse events to inspire discussions about economics, encourage critical thinking, and deepen knowledge about economic theory. As an economics major, it was a given that I would get involved with this org! Though most members were economics majors as well, the non-economics majors in the group offered valuable insights and perspectives I had never considered before. We had weekly dinners, met at professors’ houses, held book clubs on fascinating economic topics, and heard from economists from all over the world. Through Econ Club, I have made some incredible friendships and connections that have encouraged me and provided valuable networking opportunities.
There have been several topics that have stuck with me from Econ Club meetings. Some of my favorite topics have been the flat tax model, the economics of theology, and the importance of economic education throughout the world. I remember learning about something called the Laffer Curve in an Econ Club meeting my freshman year. Now, four years later, I am the President of Econ Club, and we will be partnering with the Robert W. Plaster School of Business to host Dr. Arthur Laffer, the man who pioneered this very idea. This is such a beautiful full-circle moment that has reminded me how much the Lord has blessed me through org leadership.
Student orgs provide so many opportunities for leadership experience that will help you sharpen skills like organization, communication, and event planning. These skills are highly sought-after by companies and will assist in your personal and professional development. One of my most commented-on resume items is my experience as Co-Founder, Vice Chairman, and Chairman of Cedarville’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF).
During my sophomore year, my friend and fellow economics major Timothy Ward and I attended a business school speaking event featuring Mr. Steve Forbes, the editor-in-chief of Forbes. At this event, we met representatives from the nationwide Young Americans Foundation. This meeting inspired Timothy to come up with an idea: What if we started a YAF chapter at Cedarville that was focused on integrating conservative principles with a biblical worldview?
In the spring of 2022, we began the process of becoming a recognized student organization at Cedarville and as a nationwide YAF chapter. This process required us to take initiative with administrative tasks like meetings and paperwork, but it also broadened our advertising and communication skills. We gauged student interest and advertised the new org to gain involvement. The process came with its challenges — we had very little experience in org leadership and had to appear in front of the Student Government Association (SGA) involvement directors to explain the rationale for starting our org — but after a semester of hard work, we were made an official student org and national YAF chapter!
Our first time tabling at the Involvement Fair was surreal. The officers showed up, eager and ready to recruit new students. We had a great time and felt great about the interest we received, but as any org leader will attest to, the actual involvement was low. For a year, we had only six people attending our weekly dinners. This did not discourage us, though. These meetings were the highlight of my week. We continued these meetings and worked to host several campus-wide events.
(Pictured: The YAF officers tabling during the Involvement Fair)
As Vice Chairman, my primary role was to support the Chairman. I learned the most in this role when our former Chairman and Founder graduated and we elected a new Chairman. Through the organizational change, I had the privilege to support two incredible leaders. The new Chairman brought a whole new style of leadership, and our weekly meetings transformed from casual dinners to educational meetings where we learned about current events and discussed what it means to be a Christian in America today. The org has grown, and we have been blessed with a fantastic group of intelligent young patriots. The second Chairman also graduated and passed the baton to me, and I look forward to continuing to grow the org with our newest officers.
One of my favorite memories is when the YAF members gathered on September 11 to participate in the Never Forget project. We planted 2,977 flags — one for each victim of the 9/11 terrorist attacks — on the lawn of the Scharnberg Business and Communication Center to honor those who lost their lives in this tragedy. Through this event, we were able to pray for the families of the victims and provide a powerful symbol for the campus to come around during a day of mourning.
(Pictured Top: The second wave of YAF officers tabling during the Involvement Fair. Pictured Bottom: The 9/11 Never Forget project at Cedarville University)
Getting involved in student organizations at Cedarville University has been one of the most enriching experiences of my college career. From finding community and mentorship to developing valuable leadership skills and making unforgettable memories, my involvement in student orgs has helped shape me into the person I am today. Whether you want to build lifelong friendships, grow in your faith, learn new skills, serve your community, or simply have fun, every student should get involved with a student organization at Cedarville University.
Major and Year of Graduation: Economics and Spanish, class of 2025.
Favorite Study Spot: The Lower Library.
Favorite Music Artist: Savi (She’s a Cedarville Graduate with five songs on Spotify – Check her out!).
Favorite Quote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” C. S. Lewis
What do You Like to do in Your Free Time? I love reading, writing, and going to the gym.
Favorite Bible Verse: Habakuk 1:5.
Tags: #cedarville, #guide, #helpful, #involvement, #studentlife, #studentorgs
Posted in: College Life, Student Guide, Student Life