Vikings and Tigers and Bear Cubs, oh my! These aren’t part of a The Wizard of Oz sequel but are mascots of BJU societies. With 17 options each for men and women, every student can find a society that suits their needs and preferences.
Societies create opportunities for building relationships with your peers and for getting involved on campus and in the community through activities and outreaches. They also provide an ideal environment to grow in your faith.
To get some tips on choosing a society, read this article.
Connecting with People
“You get to know people in your society on a little bit of a deeper level,” said Emily Pilgrim, a junior cello performance major. “What I particularly love about (my) society is I feel like we make an effort to know one another.” Societies bring like-minded students together from the student body, allowing you to feel at home in a smaller group. Pilgrim also appreciates the support system the women in her society provide.
Said Hart Zakaria, a junior health sciences major: “I like the community we have. . . . When I was a freshman, I loved how the seniors and the older guys in my society really made it a point to know all the freshmen and to meet them.” Sigma learns everyone’s names and Zoe shares detailed engagement stories to foster a tight-knit family that transcends class rank and programs of study.
Getting Involved
With intramural sports, outreach, outings and more, societies have something for everyone. “There’s so many opportunities to serve, not just serving the community, but also serving one another,” said Pilgrim. The Colts host their annual ‘Galentines’ Banquet, the Kangas conduct a speed dating Bible Conference fundraiser and Z goes on summer missions trips.
See Also: Students Drive Fundraiser for Health Center
Grace Floyd, a sophomore piano pedagogy major, enjoyed making signs and volunteering for the Piedmont Women’s Center 5K. Zakaria enjoyed ministering at nursing homes with his society brothers. “(It) was the one time in all of my college career that I’ve actually gotten to play the piano and clarinet,” he said.
Although society officers run the weekly meetings, you don’t have to be one to help. Said Prince Sarnicula, a junior interior architecture and design major: “I help with the music. I help (design) the merch. I help with the leadership. If someone cannot lead some Bible study or prayer meeting, I’ll be there. I like to be involved a lot.”
Growing in Faith
Through prayer meetings, weekly challenges and Life Group meetings, society encourages you to grow in your faith. “I like that (we) have a decent amount of devotional time. . . . It’s the pivotal point of society instead of just an afterthought,” said Floyd.
Sarnicula agrees: “The main thing that we really give time (to) is studying the Word of God. And it’s a balance I think. . . . We’re goofy, we’re stupid, but we’re also in God’s Word.” The weekly challenges in society meetings, brought by a chaplain peer, focus on each society’s specific needs. These are supplemented by joint-prayer meetings and times of organic fellowship throughout the year, among other things.
Said Cassandra DiLucia, a graduate student: “(Society) just grew me spiritually, and in a way that wasn’t weird at all. It was just really, really beautiful.”
Society Rush officially begins on August 24. On Friday, Aug. 27, you’ll visit your first society during its weekly meeting. So come and enjoy your years in society. Meet people. Get involved. Society is a place where you’ll belong.
See Also: Make the Most of Your Society Experience
