Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) students now have a new space to explore culture, history and the human experience with the launch of the Anthropology Club. Founded by social and behavioral sciences majors with an anthropology concentration, the club aims to create a space for members to exchange knowledge, develop skills and explore career opportunities.
The club was formed to address a lack of community among anthropology students at CSUMB. With relatively few students concentrating in the field, some expressed a need for a stronger network to facilitate academic and professional engagement.
“It can be intimidating to branch into the field, even while studying it,” said club president Sophia Stevenson. “We wanted to create a space where students could talk, share advice and prepare for future opportunities together.”
The club recently hosted its first event, “Ethnographic Film Night,” on Feb. 11, providing curious students an opportunity to meet the club officers and engage in meaningful conversation with one another regarding the film. They screened the mini-documentary “Traditional Ecological Knowledge,” which explores the role of Indigenous wisdom in addressing ecological challenges and fostering sustainability. The film prompted discussions among students from various academic backgrounds, providing an opportunity for all students to share their perspectives.
“Even if you don’t know anything about anthropology, it doesn’t matter,” said club Vice President Vallon Bucayu-Le. “You can come. There’s always something to add. We want to promote exploring the culture around you and also learning about the past.”
Although initially created to focus on anthropology students’ needs, the club is open to students from all majors, facilitating discussions on topics ranging from archaeology and linguistics to business and biology.
“Anthropology seems like a very broad concept, so it could be applied to any sort of career field,” said club member Emily Lopez. “Overall, the skills that you can learn through anthropology can teach you how to have this open-minded mindset.”
For students unsure about joining, Treasurer Hayden Mathieu emphasized anthropology’s practical benefits.
“Anthropology is sort of the best tool to gain skills. No matter your career, you’re going to gain communication skills, or you might just gain people skills.”
Beyond academics, the club aims to foster an inclusive, judgment-free environment where students from any major can engage in meaningful discussions with their peers.
“I think we’re all some really interesting and cool people. And we want to make friends!” said club Secretary Isaiah Perez. “We’re just extremely accepting of anyone, a very welcoming and comfortable environment.”
As the club grows, members hope to establish a strong network supporting students academically and professionally. They are currently developing multiple career-focused initiatives for the future, including guest speakers, resume workshops and connecting students with field schools.