McNeese’s writing club changed its name from ‘So You Like to Write’ to ‘The Blank Page’ this semester in an effort to reflect a fresh beginning and encourage student engagement. 

“We just felt the club needed a fresh beginning and a name that is kind of catchy and intriguing,” said club president Maggie Brantley. “The name ‘Blank Page,’ to me, seems to carry a sense of possibility, encouraging students of all interests and majors to create with us and see what the club has to offer.”  

The club was founded by retired faculty member Dr. Delma McLeod-Porter, who ran the Write to Excellence Center. She came up with the idea along with the founding president, now alumna Scout Barrilleaux.

The Blank Page, which meets every other Monday, is focused on students’ relationships with writing. Meetings include prompted writing sessions, discussions about writing and poetry explorations. The idea is to emphasize the importance of a community, foster friendships, and develop skills for writing.  

“My favorite memory from the club would have to be the movie night we had last semester,” said member Katelyn Johnson. “It was so fun to grow closer with my peers while watching one of the greatest movies of all time: ‘Dead Poet’s Society’.”  

Members of the club said they hope the name change will give the organization a new shine and invite new members to join. 

“Watching our little community grow has to be the biggest reward for me,” said club secretary Grace Brady. “We’ve outgrown our meeting spaces, and it thrills me to see people bring their friends along and write together.”  

The club is open to all students who enjoy writing, regardless of major.