During the Spring 2006 semester, a group of undergraduate students majoring in sociology, with the help of one of their instructors, got together and formed a new club, named “Social Pupils: University of Memphis Sociology Club.” Kimberly Duncan was the club’s first president, and the club boasted more than 30 members by October of 2006. Mary Park is the current president, and the club has maintained its membership level.

The first major project of the new club involved outreach to a local Memphis school, Kingsbury Elementary. Sociology majors involved in the club committed to several activities with the students of Kingsbury, including serving as tutors and mentors, reading stories to the children, and assisting with special events, one of which was a field trip to The University of Memphis for sixth grade students. Club members are still actively involved with the Kingsbury students, and another field trip to the U of M campus is planned for the future. The goal of the club’s involvement with these local students is to help the students in their academic endeavors, expand their knowledge and understanding of career options, and encourage the students’ commitment to their own education.

In addition to their community outreach, members of Social Pupils also gather for monthly lectures by a member of the Department of Sociology faculty. This activity allows for more interaction between sociology majors and their instructors and keeps students abreast of research and special topics in their chosen field.

CAS is proud of Social Pupils and the initiative they have shown in forming their own club and serving the community!