In the fall of 2024, Tam Broglio, a sophomore marketing major from Massachusetts, created a GroupMe chat and Instagram account solely used for Bison to connect across all majors and classifications.
After reflecting on his social life on campus, he was inspired to start a club. Broglio founded what is now known as the unofficial “Howard University Social Club.”
The year before, fearing the dangerous consequences of a society declining in social connection, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy declared a loneliness epidemic as a public health concern.
“Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity and substance use disorders,” Murthy said.
A 2024 study from Active Minds and TimelyCare reported that nearly two-thirds of college students report that they feel lonely.
Howard’s campus is no exception. Several students have expressed their lack of connection and feelings of loneliness on social media platforms such as Fizz.
“After high school, life becomes very solitary and that can be a difficult adjustment for many, myself included,” Brogolio said. “So I wanted to create a place where people can just be themselves, away from the pressure of college social life.”
The unofficial club had 243 members at the time of publication, and aims to promote “Experience, Empathy [and] Education.”
Similar to typical college organizations, Brogolio plans to rely on social media and event planning to sustain the club. The club decided to remain independent of the university’s input and direction.
“I have not considered becoming an official campus organization, because I don’t think all the bureaucracy is needed for a social club. The club is for people to be together and I do not think an application and all the paperwork is necessary for that.” Broglio said.
Derek Hamilton, a music business major from New York, planned a group gathering outside of campus to promote student connection in the club. The meetup featured a series of interactive games, informal introductions and the sharing of “canon,” or formative, Howard experiences.
Kylie Griffith, a sophomore electrical engineering major from New York shared her view of the campus’ social environment.
“People have found their groups. So it’s kinda hard to break in,” Griffin said.
Griffin was intrigued by the unofficial organization’s laid-back environment and its openness to all members.
“Since there are no requirements, it makes it easy for people to build connections,” she said.
Griffin also attended Hamilton’s gathering.
“Despite it not being a solid event it was actually pretty fun. We played UNO, talked about our experiences on campus and connected with each other,” Griffin said.
Howard currently has over 180 registered organizations listed on Engage. The organizations range from professional honor societies to sororities and fraternities including performance-based clubs.
Brogolio, planning for future events, hopes that the club will be the start of a change in the social environment on campus.
“At the end of the day, we’re all here to earn a degree, but we’re also part of a community. Communities thrive on something as simple as treating each other with respect,” he said.
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
