“Come Down Here and Scan our QR Code!” Cornell Kidnapping Club Grabs Several New Members at ClubFest

BARTON HALL— Excitement was in the air at Cornell’s Fall ClubFest as students eagerly perused hundreds of the University’s student-run organizations. Clubs employed a variety of methods to entice students to join their communities, such as flashy posters, games, and performances. “A lot of clubs have already caught my attention,” observed Annika Williams ’27. “They kind of lure you in.”

While most clubs congregated in the main facility, Cornell Kidnapping Club set up their table off the beaten path – at the bottom of a dark staircase. “We’ve found this location to be more effective,” explained vice president of recruitment Carl Brenton. “Instead of trying to appeal to the masses, we can really target individual students.”

CKC’s website listed several upcoming events, including a Stockholm syndrome seminar, a how-to on hostage-taking, and ‘Ransoming for Dummies.’

Throughout Saturday afternoon, Brenton could be heard calling, “Come down here and scan our QR code!” sparking intrigue from passers-by. “It can be a little intimidating to go up and talk to different clubs, but everyone’s been so welcoming,” said Billy Schwartz ‘28, before following the voice down the stairs. “It’s totally worth it to introduce yourself to strangers.”

According to Brenton, CKC’s unique tabling strategy worked to great effect: “We definitely captured our audience this year.”