Aside from the many theatrical and musical organizations on campus, Andover offers over 110 registered clubs. These student associations, which often take learning beyond the classroom, have existed at Phillips Andover since the founding of the school in 1778. Pot Pourri yearbooks dating back to the late nineteenth century reveal that club opportunities have changed considerably over the past centuries. Unique clubs of the past included the Gun Club; Fem Sem Chasers, for boys particularly interested in the girls of Abbot Academy; Eating Club, in which students not on scholarship were fed in the homes of townspeople; and College Club, which was sponsored by Ivy League Universities for students to meet and express interest in their college choices. But the yearbooks also show that there are a few select clubs that have survived the years, namely The Phillipian, Philomathean Society and Chess Club. Some clubs stand the test the time while others vanish within a term. Ruth Quattlebaum, school archivist and Instructor in Art, believes that part of the explanation for club longevity is in societal trends and student interest during different time periods. A club such as the Gun Club has little chance of existing in the cautious environment of modern society, whereas a current club such as the Gay-Straight Alliance had little chance of existing in the 1800’s when the gay and lesbian rights movement was just beginning. On the other hand, neutral clubs, such as Philomathean Society, whose educational value has remained, are not as susceptible to societal fluctuations. Head of Student Activities Cynthia Efinger attributes much of the success of lasting clubs to the faculty advisors and the student leaders. She said, “A student leader that is really interested in their club provides a great energy for their club. If leaders are passionate, members are more likely to dedicate time to the club.” She added that the faculty advisor role was equally important because having an adult figure attend club meetings may help keep students focused and making good decisions. Will Burke ’09 attests that the popular, powerful clubs on campus are those with the strongest college credibility. He believes that some clubs are simply more respected because of their application value. Burke said, “It seems apparent that many students would rather be able to boast that they are on the school debate team than in the school barbecuing society.” Though not necessarily better than others, some clubs have the ability to draw more participants. Because of this, a few prominent clubs have gathered most of the student support through the years. Club longevity can also be attributed to a developed reputation. Aaron Sage ’09 said, “Some clubs on campus just develop a reputation that is hard for other clubs to compete with.” After a club lasts a few years, students are familiar with it and trust it. It can be difficult for new clubs to find a good faculty advisor, establish a meeting time, develop a student attendance that spans all four grades and then successfully pass that club on to others who may not be equally passionate. The longer the club lasts, the easier this entire process becomes. Whether successful clubs evolve due to interest, leaders, value or reputation is not clear. However, it is clear that the various clubs, big and small, all add to campus life. Clubs play an important role in breaking up the school day, offering experiences that classes cannot and instilling fun in students’ busy lives. Students with reasonable and interesting ideas are encouraged throughout the year to submit club applications to the Student Activities Office. On average, 10 new clubs form each year and many have become a part of the agenda of numerous Andover students. One can only wonder which club will become the next Philomathean Society, able to endure over 180 years.
