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During the first week of his freshman year, neuroscience major Jacob Bradshaw ’27 was having lunch in McEwen Dining Hall with his new friends when he noticed that everyone at the table was drinking milk. The group laughed about the coincidence and agreed on getting together over glasses of milk regularly.

The next week at the annual Org Fair, while visiting tables and, as he puts it, “feeling kind of sarcastic,” Jacob got out a piece of notebook paper, wrote at the top “Milk Club Interest Form” and began asking for support. Within two hours, he had 68 signatures.

The pressure was on. As president of the potential new group, Jacob had to create a fully formed concept and structure. That night he reconvened his friends. His suitemate and club vice president, exercise science major Jonathan Loeb ’27, says people were drawn to the idea because it was “low stakes” and invited people of all interests and backgrounds to come together.

“Maybe what we’re doing is silly for a lot of people, but at the end of the day we’re giving a sense of belonging,” Jonathan says, “including those who don’t fit into traditional campus organizations.”

What began as whimsy has grown into one of ���ϲ�����’s most engaged student organizations, with more than 160 active members and recognition as the outstanding new student organization for 2025. The Milk Club has hosted trivia and karaoke nights, the “Spilled Milk Poetry Night,” scavenger hunts, trips to Ran-Lew Dairy Farm and a formal “Milk Soirée” that drew about 300 students.

The group also collaborates with others across campus, organizing events like “The Cownival,” “Moovin’ to Beat Blood Cancer” and “Sip of Sunnah” during Ramadan.

Jacob and Jonathan love the fun nature of the group, but they’ve also reflected on its impact.

“[During COVID], students joined professional organizations for their careers, but sometimes forgot what was good for their mental and social well-being,” Jacob says. “This club helps people connect on a different level.”

They are now using the experience as the basis for an undergraduate research project, “More Than a Glass of Milk: Building Belonging Through Joy.” Associate Teaching Professor Marna Winter, the club’s adviser, says what started as a joke has a meaningful purpose.

“My research centers on relational and joy-centered pedagogy,” Marna says. “When students feel like they belong, they have more resilience, more academic success and greater retention. There’s a direct correlation.”

The spontaneous success of the Milk Club captures something essential about ���ϲ�����. Students can follow their passions with creativity and gusto, learn lessons about leadership and success, and practice joy alongside hard work. I am so proud of these students for showing us the whey to make our university healthier and more connected.

Connie Ledoux Book
President