Fall 2019 official student clubs
Note that this list is updated each academic semester (fall and spring) after the conclusion of the club fair.
Clubs are organized by the following themes:
Academic
Awareness and Issue-Based
Culture and Language
International and National Organizations
Sports and Recreation
Academic
Cybersecurity Student Working Group
The Cybersecurity Student Working Group is a student-led organization that strives to build cyber capabilities among the next generation of international policy professionals by enhancing understanding of issues related to cyberspace and technology in the public and private sectors and exploring how cybersecurity intersects with security, peace, and communications.
Club President: Jaewon Oh
Club VP: Toby Armour
Financial Crime Management Club
The purpose of the Financial Crimes Management Club is to offer extracurricular and continuing education, to create networking opportunities, and to facilitate professional development and growth among those in and around the financial crimes sector.
Club President: Paulo Magalhaes de Paula
Club VP: Mika Dahiya
Impact Lab
Impact Lab is a student led consulting organization focused on giving students professional experience consulting on a range of topics. Project focuses include international policy, impact assessment, business strategy, etc.
Club President: Matthew Salyer
Club VP: Margo Poda
MIIS International Trade Association
The Middlebury Institute Trade Association is intended to engage graduate students on international trade affairs, networking opportunities and launching the annual Fall Bi-Coastal Trade Conference.
Club President: Angelo Gonzalez
Club VP: Bryan Herbert
Nuclear Policy
The Nuclear Policy club aims to bring together students and professionals in the fields of nonproliferation and disarmament, providing valuable networking and educational opportunities. We will be hosting guest lectures on contemporary nuclear issues, collaborating with MIIS faculty and researchers. In addition, we will be hosting Nuclear Wargaming simulations, social activities and trips in collaboration with other MIIS nuclear-related.
Club President: Taylor Lamoureaux
Club VP: Tom Hickey
Tech for Good
The Tech for Good Club endeavors to: Shine light on the people and technology making the world a better place for everyone. Demonstrate the potential of technology for social change by inviting the people developing and using technology to address social, economic and environmental challenges to speak with the MIIS community. Encourage open discussion and debate on campus about the positive and negative impact technology has on key issues pertaining to education, labor, diversity and other social matters. Collaborate with other institutions to help promote the human side of technology for social change by creating awareness of technology being used to make a difference and by building a community around it.
Club President: Jasmine Sturdifen
Club VP: Cameron Steagall
Terrorism Studies Club
The Terrorism Studies Club (TSC) seeks to enrich its members through a series of educational, professional, and social events. By providing a positive and multifaceted support environment, the Terrorism Studies Club aims to assist students in fulfilling their highest academic potential and embarking on successful careers as security and counterterrorism professionals.
Club President: Blake Allen
Club VP: Brittany Stallings
Awareness and Issue-Based
Fair Trade Club
The Fair Trade Club aims to highlight the value of ethical business practices, by making students aware of standards such as 'Fair Trade'. Fair Trade certification helps to make consumers responsible choices about food consumption and serves as a form of regulating labor practices in a globalized economy.
Club President: Jeremy Ginsberg
Club Vice President: Sean Mc Clellan
Faith & Fellowship at MIIS
The mission of Faith and Fellowship at MIIS (FFAM) is to create a safe space to share and practice our faith in relationship with Jesus and each other. Our club has a weekly one hour rotating bible study component that is led by one or two members voluntarily. The philosophy behind the rotating bible study series is for us to broaden our understanding of our faith and learn from others' backgrounds and experiences. Among our group's core shared values are love, community, service, purpose and inclusion.
Club President: Alexandro Gonzalez-Calvillo
Club Vice President: Natalie Fallert
MIIS Immigrant Rights Alliance (MIRA)
MIRA members volunteer with local organizations, engage in discussions amongst club members, and hold local events in order to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and advocate for immigrant rights. Members are also passionate about engaging the local community and inspiring dynamic learning about immigration between local residents of Monterey County and students at MIIS.
Club President: Elizabeth Motolinia
Club Vice President: Seth Small
Muslim Student Alliance
The MIIS Muslim Student Alliance seeks to foster engagement with the community regarding Islam through open dialogue, gatherings, speaker events, and fun activities. The club's intent is to not only provide a place of community and safe space for MIIS Muslim students, but strives to be open to the entire MIIS community interested in learning more about Islam.
Club President: Noraya Razzaque
Club Vice President: Anab Mohamed
Queers and Allies at MIIS
Queers and Allies at MIIS, is a group open to all students who share a common interest in cultivating, nurturing, and enriching the Queer experience at MIIS. Queers and Allies at MIIS exists to promote the inclusion of all aspects of the Queer identity, through awareness and education in the MIIS and greater Monterey community. Also, through its semester events, QAAAM aims to create a safe space for all attendees.
Club President: Gavin Skram
Club Vice President: Sarah Fulton
Sustainable Agriculture Club
The Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Club aims to explore the variety of approaches to sustainable agriculture seen in California and around the world.
Club President: Jeremy Ginsberg
Club Vice President: Zoe Gapayao
Tech for Good
The Tech for Good Club endeavors to: Shine light on the people and technology making the world a better place for everyone. Demonstrate the potential of technology for social change by inviting the people developing and using technology to address social, economic and environmental challenges to speak with the MIIS community. Encourage open discussion and debate on campus about the positive and negative impact technology has on key issues pertaining to education, labor, diversity and other social matters. Collaborate with other institutions to help promote the human side of technology for social change by creating awareness of technology being used to make a difference and by building a community around it.
Club President: Jasmine Sturdifen
Club Vice President: Cameron Steagall
Veg Club
The purpose of our club is to bring awareness and provide as many resources as possible about how a plant based diet can benefit our health, the environment and animal rights. The club will provide continuous, non-judgmental support to anyone wishing to make the transition to a vegan lifestyle.
Club President: Hinda Majri
Club VP: Isaac Byrne
Veterans Organization
The MIIS Veterans Organization is represented by student service members from the U.S. Military Services and others that are interested in supporting student veterans in their time at MIIS getting their degrees and assimilating themselves back into life after their time in service of their country.
Club President: Chuck Woodson
Club Vice President: Clint Biggs
Wetlands Club
The Wetlands Club is the local chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists. The purpose of the club is to educate students about local wetland ecosystems, support community efforts to restore, preserve, and/or study local wetlands, and for wetland related recreation. All students are welcome to participate in club events.
Club President: Kelly Roche
Club Vice President: Christina Oraftik
Women in International Security
The purpose of the Women in International Security club is to advance the leadership and professional development of women in the field of international security. WIIS globally sponsors leadership, training and capacity building programs as well as substantive events focused on current policy problems, and our MIIS chapter aims to uphold the same goals and values. Students can attend social events such as our wine mixers or an array of guest lectures/speaker series featuring women in the field of international security and a movie screening. We also intend on collaborating with other clubs on campus to co-host events.
Club President: Caitlyn Tracy
Club Vice President: Kelsey Keehfus
Culture and Language
African Nations Club
The African Nations Club is an organization that seeks to promote academic and professional excellence among students of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, through meaningful collaboration and networking. The club is intended to serve as a hub of interaction for MIIS students of African and non-African descent.
Club President: Albert Christopher Akpan
Club Vice President: Jasmine Sturdifen
B.U.I.L.D.: Beyond yoUrself in Language Development
Beyond yoUrself In Language Development (BUILD) is a student-run organization that provides language classes to the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) and the Monterey community. All of our classes are completely free, informal, and fun! They are taught by students of all programs at MIIS and members of the Monterey community with the support of students from the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Teaching Foreign Languages (TFL) and International Education Management (IEM) programs.
Club President: Salome Pachkoria
Club Vice President: Sara Caplan
International Tea Club
To provide a forum to discuss different types if tea from around the world, explore cultural practices around tea ceremonies and enjoy camaraderie over shared interests in teas and infusions.
Club President: Benjamin Henry
Club Vice President: Michael Carboy
Japan Forum
The Japan Forum’s goal is to promote interest and awareness in Japan and its rich traditional culture with students and friends of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. More than just a social club, the Japan Forum connects Japanese students (MIIS, and special guest students alike) with the community of Monterey, creating a fun and peaceful atmosphere for everyone.
Club President: Juan Ortiz
Club Vice President: Megan Doi
International and National Organizations
American Red Cross Club
The Red Cross Club is the MIIS chapter of the Red Cross, which is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and disaster preparedness education. We aim to get the MIIS community involved in supporting the activities of the Red Cross by organizing events on campus, volunteering with the local Red Cross chapter, and raising awareness of related causes.
Club President: Isabella Lloyd-Damnjanovic
Club Vice President: Alejandro Mendoza
CTBTO Youth Group
The MIIS chapter of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Youth Group supports the work of the CTBTO in raising awareness and promoting grassroots activism to ensure that the CTBT enters into force, banning all nuclear weapons testing. We host speakers, organize trips to nuclear sites, and hold regular social events, which are open to everyone in the MIIS community. Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date with all the latest activities and news.
Club President: Jeremy Faust
Club Vice President: Nicole Pascoe
I.N.M.M (Institute of Nuclear Materials Management) Club
The Institute of Nuclear Materials Management is dedicated to the safe, secure and effective stewardship of nuclear materials and related technologies through the advancement of scientific knowledge, technical skills, policy dialogue, professional capabilities, and best practices.
Club President: Nicolas Schweikhard
Club Vice President: Gevorg Novshadyan
Peace Corps Club
The Peace Corps Club at MIIS is dedicated to connecting RPCVs with other RPCVs on campus and in the greater Bay Area community as well as promoting Peace Crops through Third Goal activities to spread awareness about Peace Corps and other countries where volunteers live and serve. We also aim to offer Coverdel Fellows with opportunities to fulfill their fellowship hours requirements.
Club President: Sam Holmes
Club Vice President: Ellie Oliver
Toastmasters
The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Through this mission, each Toastmaster gains a clear understanding of the club’s purpose, and the organization as a whole benefits from a shared set of values and goals.
Club President: Randall Yamaoka
Club Vice President: Aaron Ensman
Sports and Recreation
Climbing Club
The climbing club aims to bring students together around a shared passion for climbing.
Club President: Taylor Lamoreaux
Club Vice President: Kelly Roche
Dinner with Friends
Dinner with Friends is a unique opportunity for our MIIS Student community to network in a professional yet collegial setting whilst participating in team building exercises, meals and benefiting from the expertise and experience of others. The goal is for students to leave MIIS not only prepared for the tangible challenges of their future employment but for the social and emotional rigors of the modern day world of work too.
Club President: Jasmine Sturdifen
Club Vice President: Nomsa Ndongwe
Globadores
The purpose of Globadores FC is to build camaraderie, and positively represent MIIS, through soccer.
Club President: Chris Hayes
Club Vice President: Abby Richardson
Latin Dance Club
The Latin Dance Club provides a safe and relaxing space to unwind and learn about culture and dancing at the same time! We wish to provide education, elegance, experience, and exercise all in one bowl!
Club President: Jeremy Frye
Club Vice President: Ofelia Hernandez
MIISFits Softball Team
The MIIS softball team is an official team of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies that will be playing in the Monterey Recreation League. Our team consists of current students as well as MIIS alumni who have graduated within the year. All experience levels with the sport and all levels of physical fitness are welcome and encouraged to come and tryout for the team. Students can get involved by coming to tryouts, playing in games, or watching in the stands.
Club President: Ian Petersen
Club Vice President: Emmy Ham
Mixtape Exchange Club
MIIS Mixtape Exchange is a Club where students can exchange digitally their music vía online platforms such as Spotify, YouTube or any other platform that can be freely accessed. This enhances students’ intercultural awareness of new musical perspectives and creates a fun way to listen to music from around the world.
Club President: Angelo Gonzalez
Club Vice President: Maria Paz Lopez Godoy
Music Society
The Music Society is a coalition of music enthusiasts, practitioners, and performers alike! We host social events and concert trips, coordinate performances, and provide opportunities for musicians to connect and play together casually as well.
Club President: Aislyn Nishii
Club Vice President: Yury Medvedev
Outdoor Recreation Club
The ODRC provides a community for students that wish to take advantage of the area's natural beauty via organized hikes and other excursions. The ODRC also rents camping equipment such as tents, sleeping pads, etc. Students joining the ODRC will be invited to the club's Facebook page, which serves as a forum for students looking for ideas and locations regarding outdoor activities.
Club President: Orlando M. Cruz
Club Vice President: Elizabeth Motolinia
Tabletop Gaming Club
The MIIS Tabletop Games Club aims to offer the MIIS student population two main ways to escape from the stresses of Graduate-level learning. With the Board Game subgroup of the club, students are welcome to drop by at their leisure during the weekly meeting time to participate in group games, be they board games, card games, or any other type of group-participation game. The Tabletop RPG subgroup hopes to offer players of all tabletop backgrounds and skill-levels a chance to team up with fellow students to take a breather from student life and explore fantasies of all kinds.
Club President: Rebecca Guttentag
Club Vice President: Daniel Birriel
Ultimate Frisbee
The purpose of the Ultimate Frisbee Club to promote physical and social wellness and to build leadership and teamwork among members. And to promote the sport of ultimate in a fun, open and safe environment.
Club President: Samuel Holmes
Club Vice President: Hamilton Luu