Salisbury University Club Spotlight: Starnet Society
- ksamar1
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Starnet Society at Salisbury University is more than just a club, it is a collaborative place for sci-fi, anime, fantasy, and gaming fans. Club members have the opportunity to meet during themed meetings six nights a week, offering a space where students can dive into their interests and connect with others who share those interests.
Club president, Isaiah Matthews, describes how ‘Starnet Society’ came to be a thing at Salisbury University in the late 1900s, describing how the club was originally formed by students with a shared interest in Star Trek. Later, the club gained the support of community members and university organizations like the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL). The club has since transformed into a fully student-led group.
“It really started growing when students took full control,” Matthews said. “Now, it's a space where you can be yourself and find your people.”
Throughout the week, Starnet Society hosts a plethora of different themed activities. Whether it’s anime screenings, tabletop board games, video game tournaments, or full-blown sword fights, Mathews says Starnet’s variety of events means there's truly something for everyone.
Matthews further explains that meetings typically run from 7–11 p.m., and members (or any interested students) can choose which nights or events to attend based on their interests.
“Everyone has a different reason for showing up,” Matthews explains. “That flexibility is what keeps people coming back. It’s easy to bond when you’re geeking out about the same things.”
By embracing a wide range of pop culture themes, the club creates a welcoming space where shared passions spark lasting friendships.
When asked about his role as club President, Matthews describes some of its ups and downs. As for any leadership role, taking on the responsibilities of becoming president came with its challenges.
“I didn’t have any contacts or instructions—I had to rebuild everything from the ground up,” he said.
He explained that one of the biggest struggles has been member retention, but the club is making strides through increased visibility and outreach.
In an effort to attract new members and build the club's standing at Salisbury University, Starnet has implemented multiple efforts to build promotion, putting up flyers, tabling at Commons, collaborating with other clubs, and working on strengthening their social media presence.
“We’ve just started advertising more, and doing interviews like this helps too,” Matthews said.
A major highlight for the club was attending an anime convention in Ocean City, fully funded by the university.
“The school covered tickets and transportation, which was huge,” Matthews said. “We had a great turnout, and teaming up with the Anime Club made it even more exciting."
Starnet Society is a club that embodies inclusivity, creativity, and community, thriving as a place where students can explore their interests and find their people. As the club looks forward, it aims to keep growing—and keep having fun doing it.
_______________________
By KRISTEN SAMAR
Sports Editor
Images courtesy of Stacy Robinson