On a quiet evening in a parking lot near Brownell Hall, a small group gathers around a lineup of vehicles.
Each car represents a different story, a different personality. And for the owners, a shared passion.
In the early stages of its formation, the SCSU Car Club brings students together in ways that go beyond horsepower and torque. It unites car lovers, who otherwise might simply have passed each other by on campus. Now, they share car interests with each other.
The club’s founder and president Kiran Johnson, a junior recreation and leisure major, came up with the idea after experiencing one at his previous university.
“It was a place for me to be able to go to enjoy myself. Sometimes I have a hard time getting to connect with others, and cars were the easiest way for me to connect,” Johnson, who drives an Infiniti g37x, says.
Johnson says his love for cars
began at age 10, but they weren’t just a hobby—they later became a gateway to friendships, a release from academic stress and a way to build community.
With this vision in mind, Johnson set out to create a car community here, where students could bond over a mutual love for cars.
“For the university to allow us to have a car club and build a community inside and outside the university, it’s a great thing we’re able to have here,” Johnson says. “I created [the club] off the sole purpose of wanting others to enjoy what I love, make connections and share the passion I have.”
The car club took two years to become an official organization through the Office of Student Involvement. The organization needed permissions from the University Police to use the Brownell lot for their meetings. University Police were concerned about reckless driving and noise disruptions for resident students.
The club members first officially met on Oct. 9. They are only allowed to have a maximum of 20 cars at their events. Events are currently only open to Southern students, but they are working on hosting a public car meet in the future.
In its infancy, the club is not yet widely known on campus, but its core members are determined to change that. With each gathering, they’re steadily attracting more attention and excitement.
“We’re still getting the word out, but I think it’s going to be something new and special here,” Johnson says.
In any club’s early days, establishing a committed team is crucial, and Johnson found an enthusiastic partner in Jakub Dabrowski, a senior finance major. Dabrowski serves as the club’s vice president, and his collaboration with Johnson has been a driving force behind the club’s development.
“I saw Kiran had this idea to make a car club here at Southern, and it kind of went from there,” Dabrowski says. “It’s been almost two years in the making, trying to get meetings together and everything set up.”
The process was not without its challenges. Dabrowski recalls the work that went into recruiting members, spreading the word and gaining official school permission to operate. Organizing events on campus presented unique challenges, as well.
“When people hear there are 20 sports cars parked on campus, some might worry something’s going to happen, but that’s not what we’re about,” Dabrowski says, who drives a BMW 335.
Both Johnson and Dabrowski are aware of the stereotypes surrounding car enthusiasts.
“There’s a lot of misunderstanding,” Johnson says. “Sometimes, people associate car clubs with rowdy behavior because of what they see on the news, but we’re trying to show we’re here for the love of cars, not the chaos.”
Alongside Johnson and Dabrowski is Dani Jabbour, a junior biology major, who Jabbour drives an e550 Mercedes Benz and handles public relations for the club. He oversees social media, connects with potential members and ensures the club’s events run smoothly.
“My role is just to reach out, answer DMs, line everything up for the meets,” Jabbour says. His connection to cars is rooted in childhood memories of his father’s BMWs and long drives, influenced by popular car culture like “Fast and Furious.”
Jabbour’s role is vital as the club seeks to grow its presence on campus.
“There aren’t a lot of car enthusiasts at Southern compared to other universities,” he says. “We’re trying to bring everyone who’s into cars together where everyone can just hang out, check out the cars, and enjoy themselves.”
The camaraderie among the core team is evident, and it’s this sense of family that they hope to extend to new members. Johnson describes the club’s atmosphere as one of inclusion.
“We’re like a family. We’re all into cars, and that’s what brings us together. You don’t have to be an expert mechanic or own a fancy car—you just need to share the love for it,” says Johnson.
Though still under the radar, the SCSU Car Club is steadily gathering momentum, fueled by its founders’ passion and commitment. They envision a future where car enthusiasts can find a permanent space to gather and share their hobby.
Johnson, Dabrowski and Jabbour all agree that the club’s mission goes beyond cars; it is about forming meaningful connections in a sometimes-isolating academic environment.
“Starting the club has been the best thing I’ve done,” Johnson says. “I’ve made long-lasting friendships and networked with so many people.” The impact has been felt by each core member, who knows that in a world often dominated by digital connections, the club offers something refreshingly authentic.
While it may take time for the club to reach its full potential, Johnson and his team is ready to welcome new members who are looking for more than just a parking lot meet-up.
“We’re building a place to belong,” Johnson says, “and [for students] to enjoy the ride along the way.”
