Do you snowboard or ski, but have a hard time finding people interested in those sports? Look no further than the Temple University Snowboarding Club.
Andrew Mullen, a 19-year-old sophomore from Aston, Pa., founded the club last October to help gather students to go on organized, inexpensive snowboard and ski trips.
Mullen, a finance major, created the club because the university did not have one.
“I wanted to establish a fun, new organization to bring people together, have fun and do something exciting,” Mullen said.
The early stages of developing the club have been hard work for Mullen and his fellow officers.
“It’s tough to start an organization. It has been difficult (so far), but at the same time exciting,” Mullen said.
After receiving confirmation from Student Activities, Mullen and his officers posted dozens of flyers around campus to inform students about the club. Mullen, who also serves as president of the snowboarding club, said skiers are encouraged and invited to join the club.
“Many of the people already in the club are already skiers, and they feel welcome,” Mullen said. “The more the merrier.”
More than 25 members have joined the Temple University Snowboarding Club-a number Mullen is eager to see grow.
“If you like to have fun, join it. We have a lot more to offer than your regular club or student organization,” he said.
Together, the members and officers have raised more than $1,000 selling Gertrude Hawk Chocolates. In addition, Mullen has convinced Buckman’s Ski Shop to sponsor the organization. The sponsorship will give all club members a 10 percent discount off all merchandise at their five retail locations around the Philadelphia area.
Christopher Gleeson, vice president of the Snowboarding Club, appreciates the social aspect of the organization.
“The best part is having everybody come together,” Gleeson said.
Other members of the group agree with Gleeson. Member Caitlin Nielsen said the organization is “a great way to interact with people.”
Students who enjoy skiing or snowboarding feel delighted and fortunate they joined the Snowboarding Club.
“If these [club officers] didn’t put this together, I don’t think I’d be going on any trips,” said member Heather Larsen.
The club is co-sponsoring a Feb. 11-13 weekend trip to Montage and Jack Frost Mountains with the Residence Hall Association. Another trip is planned for Feb. 26 to Mountain Creek in Vernon, N.J.
Mullen is pushing for the Main Campus Program Board to help provide funding for the latter excursion. With or without financial assistance from MCPB, Mullen says the Mountain Creek outing is definite.
The officers are holding a scheduled meeting Feb. 23 in room 220 of the student center to discuss future plans and award the top three members (excluding officers) who raised the most money.
The Snowboarding Club has recently established a Web site courtesy of webmaster Paul Winnick.
Proud of his work, Winnick said, “If you go to www.temple.edu/snowboardingclub, all your wildest dreams will come true.”
Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman can be reached at Sulaiman@temple.edu.
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