By Nicole Burdette / Staff Writer

By Nicole Burdette / Staff Writer

Club Rush introduces the anthropology club, one of Riverside City College’s newest clubs.

The Anthropology Club was started during the spring semester of 2010.

The club was formed as a means to explore different diversity, in hopes to expanding the knowledge of anthropology and its benefits.

RCC’s growth is expanding from the variety of trade programs, to its aged and new buildings, to the interesting mix of people that compose its student body. So it comes as no surprise that this was reflected at the tables during Club Rush.

“It’s kind of cheesy but there is no other club like it,” said Anthropology Club President Joseph Quiroga.

The Anthropology Club wants to take things a step forward according to Quiroga.

“There are clubs for individual cultures, but there’s no club that focuses on bringing all that together,” Quiroga said.

Ouiroga went into greater detail to explain exactly what he thinks anthropology is,

“Anthropology is the study of humans. We look at aspects of society, religion, traditions, families, and also physical evolution to try and understand ourselves and how we work,” he said.

Anthropology is a whole other world, yet to be defined. The club Secretary, Kia Heinrich said that anthropology is important.

“It gives you an outside perspective. It makes you step out of what you see the world as and see it through other people’s eyes,” she said.

Since the club was just recently organized, Quiroga said the club has only 12 members.

“We’re looking to expand our numbers,” Heinrich said about the small group number.

When asked why she decided to join, the Anthropology Club, Heinrich who just became involved this semester.

“I love anthropology and I’ve been interested in it for a very long time,” Heinrich said.

When she heard there was an opportunity to join, she jumped on the bandwagon.

“I really enjoy hopping into something new and helping it grow,” she said.

The advisers are Laura Greathouse and Barbara Hall, and the club meets Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in Quad 201. Riverside City College also offers a variety of anthropology classes.

“I love the anthropology department. The teachers have a passion for what they teach. They love to help their students understand the material,” Heinrich said.

The club is planning a few different activities for the year.

“We are planning on helping out at homeless shelters and football games, because even though we don’t realize it they both contribute to our culture,” Heinrich said.

The group is also planning a trip to the symposium for the Olmec Indians, pertaining to their society, art and culture.

Quiroga also has plans to reach out to other organizations.

“I’d like to get in contact with the UCR archaeology department to see if we could volunteer for a dig or if a professor could come over to do a guest lecture,” he said.

Additionally, Quiroga expressed interest in working with other groups on campus to organize events.

“We’d definitely like to work with MECHA or Alpha Gamma Sigma on any kinds of events they’re organizing,” Quiroga said.

She also expressed interest in “getting more active in the community on campus.”

“I’d love for the club to reach out to the history that’s right here on campus, maybe even get some of the other teachers involved,” Heinrich said.

There are no fees or dues associated with being a member.

“I’ve made friends with everybody there only through the club. I didn’t know anybody that was there until I joined the club. They’re all great people, heinrich said.

When asked what students should bring to the meetings Quiroga said, “An open mind.”