By Charlotte Brookins 

The University of Iowa has more than 600 registered student organizations! These three students explain what drew them to their organizations and groups—and offer advice for fellow Hawkeyes looking to join them.  

Erika Chagdes 
Bijou Film Board
Fourth-year cinema student Erika Chagdes has been a member of the Bijou Film Board for over a year now, having been recruited by executive director Kat Trout-Baron after one of the organization’s many free screenings at FilmScene downtown. Although she didn’t know much about the organization before joining, Chagdes says she hopes to share what she learned with others. 

"Bijou’s goal is to bring free films to students and provide theatrical experience with a lot of media that you might not see in a theatre otherwise,” explains Chagdes. “We partner with different organizations across campus to present a diverse film portfolio.” 

In addition to these regular collaborations, Bijou also has Four-Dollar-Fridays at FilmScene, where students can see any film after 8 p.m. on a Friday for only $4, and their After-Hours series, also at FilmScene, which features cult classics every Saturday at 10 p.m.  

Chagdes encourages more Hawkeyes to join student organizations like Bijou.  

“Clubs like Bijou are great ways to get to know people with similar interests,” she says. “It’s also a fun way to do something you’re passionate about outside of academics. 

Carly O’Brien
Undergraduate Student Government 

In addition to being a fourth-year student majoring in health promotion with a minor in human relations, Carly O’Brien also serves as student body vice president for USG. 

O’Brien joined Iowa’s student government as a senator her sophomore year before becoming operations director as a junior.  

“I found my way into student government through my involvement in other student organizations like Greek Life, Dance Marathon, and campus job opportunities,” says O’Brien. “My passion for making a difference and connecting with people was the driving force.” 

Alongside her fellow representatives, O’Brien works with the student body and campus administration to increase university safety, expand on basic needs and resources, and improve mental health support. She hopes to use her position to help give a voice to students and foster a sense of community and belonging at Iowa. 

“Getting involved in extracurricular activities such as student government offers students the chance to expand their horizons, grow personally, and form new friendships by finding your people on campus,” O’Brien adds. “It places us in the position to develop leadership skills and make campus a more welcoming place for all Hawkeyes.” 

Orson Codd
Dance Marathon 

Orson Codd, a fifth-year cinema and screenwriting major, has been part of the University of Iowa Dance Marathon leadership team for as long as he’s been at the university—however, he’s been familiar with the organization and its impact for even longer. 

“My youngest brother, Dashiell, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in March of 2012 and sadly passed away in June 2013,” says Codd. “Dance Marathon played a huge role in supporting my family during and after that challenging time.” 

Since then, Codd has been actively involved in the organization, and he now acts as executive co-chair of Dance Marathon 30, which will take place on February 2 and 3.  

Codd says that his favorite part about Dance Marathon is the support it provides for patients at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. All money raised by the organization supports pediatric patients and the UI chapter is one of the top fundraisers of all Dance Marathon organizations in the country. 

After twelve years spent with Dance Marathon, Codd says he is grateful for the impact the organization has had on him and encourages others to get involved. 

“Dance Marathon offers students tons of opportunities, whether it’s interacting with awesome families and kids or bonding with peers over very real-world topics,” Codd adds. “The friendships and personal growth here come naturally, whether you’re a dancer or on the leadership team.” 

No matter your interest, the University of Iowa likely has an activity or organization for you. Explore the full list of student organizations to find what interests you, or create your own by starting a new group.