News Release

____________________________________________________________

March 17, 2006

Boise State Hits a Milestone: 200th Student Club Recognized

Boise State University hit a milestone this week when the student government judicial branch recognized Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlan (MECHA), a local chapter of the national Latino rights group by the same name. MECHA is the 200th student organization recognized by the university.

The number of student organizations has grown with the university. In 1997-1998, Boise State had 15,422 students and 157 recognized organizations. The university now counts 18,599 students and 200 clubs.

There has been a sudden upswing in the number of groups recognized during the past two years. In the 2004-2005 school year, 30 organizations were recognized, the largest single increase in groups ever at Boise State. This year, 28 organizations have been recognized, with two months left in the semester. On average, 15 clubs are derecognized in a given year, their members either having graduated or moved to other groups.

Assistant Director for Student Activities Mike Esposito attributes the growing number of clubs directly to student enthusiasm for college life.

“While we are still a ‘commuter campus,’ the number of traditional-age students is increasing,” Esposito said. “These students want to be more involved and are eager to create clubs on campus around common interests.”

MECHA’s mission is to promote education for Chicanos and retain culture through special events. In addition, the group hopes to promote a sense of family among Latino and Chicano students on campus.

-30-

Contact: Mike Esposito, Student Activities, (208) 426-5951, mesposit@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Julie Hahn, University Communications, (208) 426-5540, juliehahn@boisestate.edu

Boise State University is the largest institution of higher education in Idaho with about 18,600 students and 2,200 faculty and staff. More than 190 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and technical degrees are offered within eight colleges. A metropolitan university located in the capital city, Boise State is committed to life-enhancing research, teaching excellence and public service.





























 

The Office of Communications and Marketing - Boise State University
1910 University Drive - Education Building, #726 - Boise Idaho 83725-1030

208-426-1577
(fax)208-426-4001

email communications@boisestate.edu

Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007