There is a new club on campus and it is taking the University of La Verne by storm.
The “Hunter” Club.
Yes, there is a club on campus that is dedicated to the appreciation and support of the television show “Hunter.”
You probably remember “Hunter,” the old police drama based on the police careers of Sergeants Rick Hunter and Dee Dee Mc Call.
The two crime fighters are famous for busting everything from drug cartels to drive-by shootings. They examine homicide scenes, look for clues, interview suspects, chase criminals and put them away. It may not be as sophisticated as “NYPD Blue,” but its roots are in the core values of cops and robbers and good and evil.
Students with fond memories of “Hunter” and the desire to meet new people have since come together to watch the show, which is how the club got its start.
The “Hunter” Club was only created a few weeks ago, but it is already a recognized club on campus. It has almost 20 established members, a budget, an adviser, a constitution, bylaws, officers and goals for the school year.
It may sound ridiculous that college students actually stay up until 1 a.m. in the morning to watch reruns of the show, but the fact is, The “Hunter” Club is attracting a nice following of coeds that not only appreciate the show, but enjoy the community of friends that share the common interest in the criminal justice system and classic ’80s entertainment.
When introduced to the idea of joining The “Hunter” Club, I did not know the characters of the show or the point in staying up to watch reruns on Channel 5, but now that I am of “Hunter,” I have an appreciation for the show, it’s writers, the main actors, Fred Dryer and Stephanie Kramer and for the people I watch the show with.
The club procedures are not complete with dues and fancy requirements. Members are simply asked to attend a meeting one night per week and bring whatever spare change they can muster.
Though there isn’t an established place for the nightly meetings, the club travels to different residence halls, rooms and campus facilities to watch the show.
Because there have been complaints that the late night meetings get a bit loud, the club is even trying to find a more secluded place to meet.
How amazing it is that at the University of La Verne we have the opportunity to create our own club on campus, based on our own interests. Even down to an appreciation for a television show and a sense of community, we can be recognized by the University that binds us.
Some people are surprised to hear that the University of La Verne formally recognized The “Hunter” Club this week as a organization on campus, but the fact is, we did our homework.
In order to be University recognized and get money from the Associated Students Federation (ASF) Forum, a club must file all of the necessary paperwork. We have done it.
As long as we remain faithful to our rules and our cause, there is no reason we should not be allowed to get allocated money or participate in University activities, just as any other club can.
Not only has The “Hunter” Club contributed to other organizations through donations and support, they are already involved in school activities, such as the upcoming Homecoming Fair.
It may seem silly, but the fact is, The “Hunter” Club is out there, it is attracting involved University of La Verne students and it is growing more than the founders of the club could have ever imagined. It is not about heavy rules and regulations. It doesn’t exclude outsiders. It doesn’t demand countless hours of time or lots of money. It is simple, easy, fun and fancy free.
Before scoffing the idea of an organization devoted to a cheesy old television cop show, stop by and see what “Hunter” is all about. You are sure to fall head over heels for the club and it’s subject.
Hey, we may even be trying to get Dryer to come speak at a future meeting. If that is not enough of a reason to join, I don’t know what else is.
Andrea Gardner, a senior broadcast journalism major, is editor in chief of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at gardnera@ulv.edu.
