In fall 2015, freshman Sarah Malik had no room for language electives in a schedule packed with classes for her business and engineering major in the LeBow College of Business. But she wanted to keep her handle on French, which she’d been studying for five years, so she decided to launch the Drexel French Club.
Now counting more than 100 members on its roster, the club has made major strides in its short life. Early support from the French Department and volunteer student officers helped. But things really kicked off when the Pennoni Honors College stepped in to offer space for meetings, promotion, logistics support, and — crucially — food. Membership increased as the club held more events, including conversation hours, French movie nights and holiday parties.
In summer 2017, the organization won the French Embassy’s France on Campus award, which provides funding, guidance and outreach opportunities for student organizations introducing French culture to their college campuses. The award-winning idea? “Frenchy Friends,” a mentoring program that pairs advanced French-speaking students with beginners.