Count Me In | Michigan Today

Count Me In

Lest you think today’s clubs tend toward the frivolous, these three unidentified men belonged to the Smokers’ Club in the 1890s.

(Image courtesy of U-M\’s Bentley Historical Library.)
Early student organizations were formed along academic lines. In 1899 “the Laws” engaged in healthy competition with the “Lits.”

(Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)
Michigan winters always appeal to members of the skiing club, pictured here in the mid-’50s.

(Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)
These Law School students, circa 1943, took a sober approach to their unofficial poker club. It appears one of them is drinking milk.

(Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)
Rifling was popular in 1954. It’s most likely this activity was organized through the physical education department.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)
Cut to 2013 and the Society of Physics Students. Their high-tech hijinks dazzle prospective members with ice cream on demand.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)
It can never hurt to bring out the giant telescope.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)
Founders of the Fly Fishing Club use Festifall to hook some new members.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)
Students who grew up reading the Harry Potter novels now live out their fantasies playing Quidditch at the Nichols Arboretum.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)
It takes a rare individual to embrace his inner Quidditch champion.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)
Senior Tim Pow founded the Cubing Club to appeal to puzzle aficionados.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)
BTW, there’s even a club for aspiring stand-up comedians. LOL.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)
Research shows students involved in clubs and organizations are more likely to graduate on time and feel more connected as alumni.

(Photo by Neala Berkowski.)