Drew Carey, Joe Simpson, Ice-T, NASA, instant noodles and the Leonard Carmichael Society (LCS). What do they all have in common? They're celebrating their 50th year!
It's a surprise and a shame that national service organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life can associate the LCS with Tufts University, yet many students on campus are still unaware of what the group represents.
The Tufts administration adores the group: President Lawrence Bacow consistently mentions its name alongside other school glories.
As one of the oldest clubs on campus and one of the most advertised groups to prospective students, why don't more students know about the LCS?
Part of the mystery behind the LCS may lie in its name. Leonard Carmichael Society? It might sound like some elitist group, but it's actually named after Dr. Carmichael, former president of Tufts from 1938 to 1952. During his presidency, Tufts saw the addition of the campus bookstore, Carmichael Hall and Jackson Gym, as well as the beginning of Cohen auditorium and Alumnae Hall.
Founded by Richard Dorsay in 1958, the original LCS consisted of a few students who consistently visited a nearby mental hospital. Just 50 years later, the LCS has become the largest student-run organization on campus, including almost 70 coordinators and 1500 volunteers in 36 programs. The LCS serves as an umbrella organization that covers hunger and homelessness issues, youth mentoring, literacy and education, health issues, and other special interests.
Specific programs range from the nationally popular — Habitat for Humanity, Blood Drive, Cancer Outreach and Special Olympics — to the local, such as Tufts Kids' Day and Special Friends.
In addition to community-service programs, the LCS has had a huge impact these past 50 years on Tufts' mission for civic engagement and global leadership. For example, it has had a prominent role in the creation of the Tisch College, setting the foundation for the culture of service and civic duty at Tufts.
The society has had such a positive impact in the community in and around Tufts, it's disappointing that it has not gotten the recognition it deserves. A huge part of Tufts' national popularity is due to the LCS's positive contributions all over the country.
We Tufts students should be determined to get the word out about the LCS, especially in its 50th year. We can all help kick off this celebration around campus. The LCS is a group that we can be proud of, and this is the year to make that change.
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Audrey Kuan is a freshman who has not declared a major.
