Student Organization Spotlights: February 2024

With over 60 unique student organizations at Webster University, there’s a place for everyone to get involved. This column spotlights student organizations and how they are making a difference on campus and beyond. 

Brothers Empowered 

Brothers Empowered is a campus club that focuses on the cultivation and growth of people of color. Founded at Webster in 2018 by Alexander Hollingsworth, Brothers Empowered aims to build a greater sense of community for people of color and allies. As many people of color have encountered similar challenges throughout their lives, Brothers Empowered strives to bring students together who can share experiences, build community and discover personal growth.  

Brothers Empowered hosts events which spark conversation and build connections. One of their most popular events, Family Talk, has formed Brothers Empowered into the tight-knit group it is today – with club members regularly referring to one another as “family.”  At Family Talk, the club creates a safe, judgment-free environment for discussion about mental health, family dynamics, relationships and more. By hearing and sharing personal experiences with each of these subjects, students find they aren’t so alone. 

Brothers Empowered co-hosts events with other campus organizations – most frequently with AAAC and Gorloks Aware. On the first Friday of each month, AAAC and Brothers Empowered host a Kickback event, giving students the chance to hang out together while enjoying music, food, games and community. AAAC and Brothers Empowered also hold seasonal events, such as Friendsgiving at Thanksgiving and community events throughout Black History Month. 

A group of Webster University students after a Brothers Empowered event.

Brothers Empowered and Gorloks Aware routinely collaborate to form The Gentleman’s Club. The Gentleman’s Club is a series of events dedicated to discussing masculinity, respect, relationships, and more. Each month, Gentleman’s Club attendees can take advantage of free, fun “extras” at events such as a haircut or meal.  
 
Jalen Payne, BS ‘23, tenured president of Brothers Empowered, shared his experience as part of the club.

“Brothers Empowered has impacted me by putting me into a position to think about my development as a young man of color and the advancement of the people of color. Having open conversations caused me to think about my own autonomy and decision-making. I learned how to better prioritize self-care, manage relationships, and navigate uncomfortable conversations and interactions. I have also become more vocal and have found myself more comfortable when given leadership opportunities. I also received an overwhelming amount of support that propelled me to finish my computer science degree. The people I collaborated with left a mark on me – I have a community that I can reach out to and vice versa. I made lifelong connections in Brothers Empowered and I hope Brothers Empowered continues to create a haven for students to express themselves and find community.” 

Payne (left) pictured with Kamryn Culberson (right) who serves as the rising president of Brother's Empowered.

Computer Science Club

Computer Science Club members with Guest Speaker David Taubenheim from NVIDIA.

Webster University’s Computer Science Club was founded in 2015. After being reinstated with a new constitution and vision in 2020, it has become one of the fastest growing clubs on campus, welcoming nearly 50 new members for the current academic year alone. The Computer Science club holds the record for largest attendance at a Webster University club event and was honored with the Student Organization of the Year award in April 2023, reflecting its significant impact on campus and contributions to student life.  

The Computer Science Club aims to enrich student life by offering an active community and platform for collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. It offers career-enhancing opportunities that provide members with immediate and long-term benefits. The club is known to collaborate with other campus clubs to host themed parties, study groups, and virtual events on their Discord channels.

The Computer Science Club at Webster's Involvement Fair.

The Computer Science Club regularly hosts hackathons, capture the flag competitions, and coding contests. These events give students the opportunity to explore their interests in technology and computing. The club recently formed two subcommittees because of their frequent participation in contests: the Hackathon Team and the Coding Team. At each event, the Webster Computer Science Club teams consistently finish in the top percentile.  

Throughout the academic year, the Computer Science Club hosts guest speakers from renowned companies such as Boeing, NVIDIA, Hubbell, Accenture, and World Wide Technology. The club also arranges field trips – most recently, the group visited Microsoft. These events provide club members with the chance to further their academic experience via exposure to real-world connections. 

The Computer Science Club tours Microsoft.

“I have had an incredibly enriching experience as part of Computer Science Club,” said Nicholas Ragland, a senior computer science major and current president of Computer Science Club. "I've formed lifelong friendships and had opportunities to network with tech professionals. The relationships I’ve made will benefit me both now and beyond graduation. Also, the club has been a valuable learning platform where I’ve gained knowledge in countless technology-focused subjects. This organization has opened up a multitude of opportunities, not for just me, but for all its members.”  

The Computer Science Club is currently working in collaboration with the department of computer science on plans for an alumni celebration event. The event will feature catering and is expected to attract a large audience. 

The Computer Science Club would like to better connect with its alumni while providing more opportunities for its members. If you or your company are interested in guest speaking, hosting field trips, or participating in any other technology-related collaborations, please contact the club at csclub@webster.edu.