We have a new club here at SUNY Ulster, Circle K International.
It started with Key Club.
Key Club is a Kiwanis sponsored program for high schools throughout the world. Each chapter partners with a local Kiwanis Club member.
Through service and volunteering students learn leadership skills, build character, and gain hands on knowledge of what personal and social responsibilities are thereby making a positive impact on their community.
However, fear not…If you missed out on Key Club…there is Circle K International!
Circle K International, also known as CKI, began in 1936 as a Kiwanis Club service project. This provided opportunities, to qualifying young men, to acquire a college education through scholarships and/or employment assistance. Soon after it began, the group began to incorporate community service as a part of their activities. Consequently, this is when colleges began to show more interest in participating.
Today, there are more than 11,000 collegiate members, at over 500 campuses throughout the world and is now open to everyone. CKI SUNY Ulster has 11 active members including president, Shaye Witkus, Vice President, Muhammad Shabbir, Secretary, Elyssa DeWitt, and Treasurer, Stephanie Sensini. It is a student-led club chartered by Kingston Kiwanis Club member and SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees Vice Chair, Bill Spearman.
Key Players
Mr. Spearman is a 1969 graduate of SUNY Ulster and original participant in Circle K club here at SUNY Ulster. In its heyday, the club held dances, car washes, arranged basketball games between faculty and students, and other forms of fun! They also participated in fundraising and service projects throughout the community. Sadly, the SUNY Ulster Chapter faded away in the early 1970’s.
Now, through the hard work, dedication, and advisement of Meg Sheeley, Coordinator of Campus Life, and Bill Spearman, Circle K International has a Chapter here at SUNY Ulster! It took two long years of paperwork and recruitment but they did it. Meetings began in the Fall of 2019 and the Charter was officially approved on February 13, 2020.
Benefits
CKI SUNY Ulster is intended to broaden student opportunities through personal contact with business and professional leaders throughout their communities. This helps in developing leadership skills, civic responsibility, and fellowship. CKI Treasurer, Stephanie Sensini, seemed very excited to talk about volunteer opportunities, working with others, and her desire to study abroad after graduation. One of the many benefits of CKI is its geographical outreach. The organization is worldwide. Because of her participation in Circle K Stephanie is making connections that can help her achieve her goals for her future.
Local Connections
CKI SUNY Ulster is currently working with Ten Broeck Commons in Lake Katrine. They provide companionship to residents. In addition they also host games and activities as well. They participate in community events like the Rosendale Pickle Fest and the upcoming Kiwanis Kingston Classic. However, the club is still in its early stages. They are branching out into the community to find more service opportunities.
Circle K International meets every Monday at 10:45am in the Dining Hall. Please come and be a part of their fresh start here at SUNY Ulster. If you have any questions Meg Sheeley, sheeleym@sunyulster.edu, is always ready to help you get answers!
