Whitney Allen
  • Psychology
  • Class of 2015
  • East Lyme, CT

Eastern Connecticut State University Student Whitney Allen of East Lyme Member of African Club

2012 Mar 1

Whitney Allen '15 of East Lyme, CT, is a member of the African Club at Eastern Connecticut State University. Allen is a Psychology major.

The purpose of the African Club is to promote interest in the history, development and cultures of Africa, related diversity, and to encourage participation in community service programs, events and activities which benefit student members, Eastern and surrounding communities. The club offers members opportunities to improve their image, leadership qualities and communication skills. During the fall semester, the African Club sold beads at a fundraising event, held two club socials and traveled to New York City to see The Lion King on Broadway.

More than 30 percent of the full-time students enrolled at Eastern now participate in at least one club/organization, an increase of almost 10 percent since fall 2008. Students who participate in clubs/organizations excel in the classroom and do better academically than students who do not participate. In spring 2011, 1,345 full-time students participating in clubs had an average GPA of 3.06, much higher than the 2.84 average for those students not taking part in any of the nearly 70 clubs/organizations.

Clubs/organizations planned and implemented almost 600 events last academic year. These programs have a direct impact on the daily life of all students on Eastern's campus. The programs range from social to educational, physical to spiritual, and civic engagement programs that equally affect the community.

Eastern Connecticut State University is the state's public liberal arts university. Eastern serves approximately 5,600 students each year on its Willimantic campus and satellite locations.