On Thursday, February 8, the Optimist Club of Carnegie Mellon was officially recognized as a chapter of the Optimist International organization.

The chapter, founded in September 2006 by Heinz graduate student Josh Caplan, has been working on projects to improve the lives of children in the Pittsburgh area. The Carnegie Mellon chapter already has a few projects under way, including tutoring at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Liberty, serving at the Jubilee Soup Kitchen, and running a toy lending party. Many of the organization's leaders, from local to international levels, were present at the charter party. Among those was Optimist International President Ronnie Dunn, who presented Caplan with the chapter's own banner.

"By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids," Dunn said, reciting the organization's mission statement.

Five new chapters were founded in Pennsylvania last year. Carnegie Mellon's, sponsored by the Allegheny Valley chapter, is the newest but the largest, with 60 members. It is also the largest collegiate chapter in the world. Each chapter of Optimist International operates independently and runs projects in its community as it sees fit.

"Optimist International is dedicated to helping kids only. This is what sets us apart from the Kiwanis, the Lions, the Rotary Club, etc.," Dunn said.

Dunn joined the Optimist Club in 1988 in Frankfurt, KY. Through her local chapter, Dunn ran toy drives and supported the local youth sports teams.

"I love helping kids," said Dunn. "I get just as much out of it as they do."

Dunn also inducted the Carnegie Mellon chapter's five newest members: Tiffany Barth, CIT first-year; Brent Fiore, HSS junior; Philip Orbeta, HSS first-year; Vamsee Pillalamarri, MCS junior; and Stephanie Sharick, CIT first-year.

"I challenge you to be the best you can be. I want you to do whatever the kids in this community need for you to do," Dunn said to the inductees.

Orbeta is excited about being a part of the organization.

"I can't wait to get started," said Orbeta. "I want to build a good foundation and make contacts so when I get the opportunity to do something big, I'll just go all out."

Founder Josh Caplan also addressed the group, explaining that his experience with the Peace Corps in 2003 motivated him to start an organization to help those in the local community. He said the Carnegie Mellon chapter plans on starting some fundraising this semester in order to start bigger projects; currently the organization relies solely on membership dues. He explained that the organization is very open to project ideas from its members.

"The beauty of this organization is that projects are developed from the needs that the members see fit," Caplan said.

Optimist International member John "Jack" Creswell was also present. He is an active member who is currently a trainer who gives talks at Optimist events, and has also served as governor of the Pennsylvania-Upper Delaware District.

Creswell is confident about the University's chapter's ability to make a difference.

"CMU is a good group, an exciting and diverse bunch. Enthusiasm speaks volumes," said Creswell. "You can see it on the faces here tonight. I think the Optimist Club will definitely have an impact at CMU in the coming years."

The Optimist Club meets every other Sunday at 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Josh Caplan or visit www.optimist.org.

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