The King’s Council Welcomes Two New Student Organizations

Two new student organizations focusing on politics and Catholicism were approved this past Monday night at the weekly council meeting. The John Quincy Adams Society and The Frassati Society were passed into effect by a unanimous voice vote, and are now available for students to join and enjoy as complete student organizations.

The John Quincy Adams Society (JQS) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose aim is to enhance understanding and discussion of foreign politics. Presented to the council by Jan Gerber and Blake Ashley, the organization shares values with King’s itself.

“Whenever you look at the mission of the John Quincy Adams Society, you might see something familiar in everybody’s favorite part of the King’s College mission, especially leading public and private institutions,” Ashley said.

Already well established in nearly 20 colleges like John Hopkins University, the JQS values realism and restraint, as well as networking and knowledge. Seeking intellectual and professional development, Gerber and Ashley told the council that membership with the organization offers bi-weekly meetings, where students will discuss topics ranging from US-Russia relations to the future of NATO.

“We’re trying to expose people to foreign policy, so we don’t want it to ba an all-the-time closed door operation,” Ashley said.

Members of the JQS will also have access to exclusive guest-speaker events. Gerber and Ashley were careful to point out that that not every event hosted by the JQS will be member-exclusive, as most will be open to all students.

“We’re trying to expose people to foreign policy, so we don’t want it to ba an all-the-time closed door operation,” Ashley said.

For students that are interested in or practice the Catholic faith, the Frassati Society provides an opportunity for fellowship and teaching. The Frassati Society, presented to the council by Bernadette Berdychowski, Eddie Van Zandt, and Michael Napoli, seeks to foster communion, healthy dialogue, and enact service among the Catholic students at King’s.

“We’re here to plug you into churches in the community,” Van Zandt said.

The society wants to be an active voice in the community and bridge the gap between isolated Catholics in a majority-Protestant school. Berdychowski explained that the named-sake of the society, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, was chosen.

“Because he’s kind of like a King’s student: he loved to hang out with his friends, he was adventurous, he’s a good example,” Berdychowski said.

With Frassati as their patron, members of the society will enjoy a monthly Mass, movie nights, Bible studies, and volunteer opportunities. The end goal is to reach out to and uplift Catholic students. However, the group explained that inclusion is an important aspect.

“We’re here to plug you into churches in the community,” Van Zandt said.

The organization’s leaders stated that the Frassati Society is open to everyone, regardless of faith. However, due to the schooling necessary to become a Catholic, leadership roles will be open only to those that are practicing Catholics.

Both organizations offer unique and interesting ways for students to grow spiritually and intellectually, and professionally.

“I look forward to seeing you all serve the community in unique ways,” said Student Body President Michael Martinez.