DeMarlon Brown has big plans in store for the Black Student Union as its new president.

“Biggest thing that I want to focus on is academics,” Brown, a junior political science major, said. “We are more than just an organization that throws union parties.”

Tonight at 6, BSU will have its first meeting of the semester in the Charleston/Mattoon Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Brown said the organization focuses on academics, service and building a social network among students.

As part of BSU’s welcome back week, the organization put on a program called “Pledge GPA” to help freshmen.

Brown said students have four objectives to fulfill while in this program.

“They have to go for an externship, join some type of organization, build a resume, and show scholarship,” he said. “This program turned into something more.”

Brown also wants to highlight the service aspect of BSU.

BSU has gone to local schools to tutor children, participated in Relay for Life, volunteered on Panther Service Day, donated to women’s shelters and much more.

“It is so much, and it is not recognized,” Brown said. “Our image must be flipped.”

Chandra Golden, director of service affairs for BSU and senior consumer science major, said it is always important to give back to people who gave back to you.

“It’s important being able to give back and to show respect and gratitude to those who have helped you,” she said.

Golden added volunteering makes people feel better about themselves.

Darius White, vice president for BSU and junior special education major, wants to encourage students to join the organization.

“It is a chance for you to get your voice out,” he said.

White said BSU has other events coming up to help educate students on campus.

“We have ‘Blacks Can’t Vote Part Two,’ and ‘Know What’s at Stake in 2008’ that is partnered with Delta Sigma Theta and NAACP,” he said.

Knokka McMorris, member of BSU and senior sociology major, said she thinks it is important for black students to know what is going on with the black community within campus.

“It’s important to see how college kids feel about their society and how it will impact us when we get out,” she said.

McMorris said students joining BSU will benefit in the future.

“It makes you more marketable and more open to what’s going on around campus,” she said.

Brown said in order to gain members, the organization must make the students feel like they are a part of it.

“That’s why we need to get them into committees and make them feel a part of BSU,” he said. “When you have someone who feels like they are contributing, they will stay.”

Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmleggin@eiu.edu.