Department graduates and undergraduates have established an Anthropology Club to exchange information and discuss common interests in a supportive environment. In past years, the student club has organized anthropology film screenings, reading groups, guest speakers, and diverse social events. It has also played an active role in Departmental activities, including the “Advances in Anthropology Speakers Series.” A faculty member serves in an advisory capacity to assist the club with the preparation of special events. Contact the current Anthropology Club Faculty Advisor, Dr. Keri Brondo at kbrondo@memphis.edu, for further information. 
The “Advances in Anthropology Speakers Series” and the Department of Anthropology Colloquium feature scholarly public presentations during the academic year. Most presentations are followed by public receptions, while many also include special luncheons to offer anthropology students the opportunity to interact with guest speakers in a more personal and informal setting.

News from Anthropology Club, Fall 2007: 

The Anthropology Club experienced an active fall semester. We began the semester with renewed interest in finding opportunities that were rooted in anthropology, and connected to our larger Memphis community. In October, the Anthropology Club participated in Gulu Walk, as a club we were able to raise funds that will help increase consciousness about children from Northern Uganda. In addition to Gulu Walk, we enjoyed participating in a Brown Bag Lunch with Terry Mason from Christian Brothers University. Ms.Mason came to share her experiences with fieldwork in Uganda, while recruiting for future research. Also in October, the Anthropology Club participated in Chucalissa’s Native American Heritage Days. As a club we were able to help over 3,000 students within Shelby County enjoy the festivities that Chucalissa has to offer. In November, the Anthropology Club was able to continue the tradition from last year and participate in the 2nd Annual Anthropology Club Picnic at Chucalissa. It was an excellent opportunity for students and faculty to come together and enjoy the beauty of Chucalissa. As this semester is coming to an end, we will begin to look to the spring when the University of Memphis will host the meeting for the Society for Applied Anthropology. The Anthropology Club has many plans for this special event; we look forward to seeing you there!

Anthropology Club Officers Spring 2008

President…………………………….Harmony Farner (hstbblfl@memphis.edu)
Vice-President……………………...Jenn Graham (jenngraham1@gmail.com)
Secretary…………………………….Nora Bridges (nbridges@memphis.edu)
Treasurer……………………………Jamie Alexander-Dillon (jlalex@hotmail.com)

Google Calendar for Anthropology Club Events.

Special Events:

Anthropology Club T-Shirts
The Anthropology Club is currently working on designing a t-shirt that will be available for sale at the 2008 Society for Applied Anthropology conference, $15.00 for students and $18.00 for faculty.

2nd Annual Anthropology Club Fall Picnic
This year the Fall Picnic took place on a November 3, 2007 on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Activities for the day included axe at atl atl throwing, as well as enjoying the hiking trails of Chucalissa.

Gulu Walk
The Anthropology Club participated in the Gulu Walk on October 20, 2007 to raise consciousness about the children of Northern Uganda; the club was able to raise funds to donate to this cause.

Brown Bag Lunch
On October 2, 2007 Terry Mason from Christian Brothers University spoke to the Club about her fieldwork in Northern Uganda, and opportunities for students to gain international fieldwork through the Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research (MHIRT) program.

Graduate Seminars
On March 17th, 2007 there was a seminar on the scope of the anthropology graduate program at The University of Memphis.

Annual Events:

Native American Heritage Days
The Anthropology Club has proudly volunteered during the annual Heritage Days festival at Chucalissa; this event brings attention to the traditions of this region while reinforcing the relationship between the University of Memphis and Chucalissa.

Anthropology Club Fall Picnic
The Anthropology Club Fall Picnic takes place at Chucalissa and provides an excellent opportunity for students and faculty alike to get to know one another in a relaxed setting.

Guest Speakers
The Anthropology Club regularly hosts guest lecturers, who speak about their research projects. Past guest speakers include: Dr. Ellen Shlasko, Dr. Lewis Binford, Brett Magdovicz, and Jennifer Prough.

Careers in Anthropology Seminar
The Careers in Anthropology Seminar occurs during the spring semester and provides information on career possibilities in anthropology.  Undergraduate and graduate students hear firsthand from guest alumni and others in the field about job opportunities available to anthropology graduates. Past speakers include: Nancy Liebbe, Kim Rogers, Andrew Buchner, Charlotte Malone, Ron Brister, Bridget Ciaramitaro, Linda Nichols, and Mairi Albertson.