This is the question that we get a LOT, so I thought it would be great to answer it here.
Connect 4 is a merger from two previous WashU groups, Campus Week of Dialogue and the Student Diversity Initiative. Led by Cambrie Nelson/Hanna Beck and Fernando Cutz (SDI), the two groups merged in Spring 2008 and chose the name Connect 4 based upon the tenants on which each stands. These are:
The name itself, "Connect 4," has caused some confusion amongst students after the group was first instituted as a SU recognized Category 1 group. Many conceive it as a game enthusiast group, others- who may know its general mission- lack clarity to what the "4" stands for. Still, others hear it and know not what to really think.
In its current year, changing the name has been discussed and considered amongst members. However, in efforts to not be conflicted with the potential Diversity Affairs Council and our separate focus on engagement, interaction, awareness, and programming, Connect 4 decided that we will keep the name. We hold the four principles at the core of our mission, initiatives, and events, and the name is unique. One consideration for future leaders, however, is indeed how we can possibly modify the original four tenants to for directly express the aforementioned new focuses. But this is a post for a later date.
Currently, many in our group, including freshmen Camille Young and Grace Chao have committed themselves to help the group engage ways to better share our mission, our purpose, and our activities, and this is definitely a great step in allowing our campus to know all of the many things that Connect 4 members connect for.
More will come throughout the semester for some of the publicity campaigns that Connect 4 members lead.
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