Journalism Student leads growing KU Swift Society
When Alexis Greenberg started the University of Kansas Swift Society, she hoped it would embody the values she sees in Taylor Swift: Generosity, inclusiveness and joy.
Shortly after it became an official KU student organization in January 2023, Greenberg recalls a graduate student who was unsure how she would be received in a club where a majority of its members are younger college students. The KU Swift Society welcomed that student with open arms and gave Greenberg hope for what the club could eventually become.
“I felt like we really accomplished something there,” Greenberg said. “Somebody who feels out of place on the KU campus was able to find a community where she felt welcomed. That was really special.”
Greenberg is entering her senior year in the digital marketing communications concentration in the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She is also pursuing minors in leadership and Jewish studies. She is a co-founder and president of the KU Swift Society, an interactive space where KU Students can celebrate, discuss and enjoy all things related to Taylor Swift.
However, the club puts just as big an emphasis on the values they feel Swift preaches.
Since becoming an official student organization, the KU Swift Society has held a movie night, karaoke night, a volunteer event organizing the solidarity library at Ecumenical Campus Ministries, pottery night at Sunfire Ceramics in Lawrence and a bracelet-making night.
Greenberg hopes to get the club even more involved with the Lawrence community this school year. The club is working on organizing a volunteer event with Just Foods — the food bank of Douglas County — this fall.
“I think Taylor Swift is pretty vocal about her values in life,” Greenberg said. “Every stop on her tour this summer, she’s donated a considerable amount of money to a food bank in that city. I just found it really important for us to give back to the community around Lawrence.”
The KU Swift Society currently boasts more than 600 followers on Instagram and approximately 50 to 60 active club members who attend meetings regularly. The club was even highlighted in NPR in Kansas City, the Kansas City Star and Fox-4 KC prior to Taylor Swift’s Eras concert in Kansas City.
“Starting and being part of an organization is a great way to practice skills you learn in school,” Greenberg said. “This has been a really great opportunity to work on my social media marketing and digital advertising skills and figure out how to balance marketing the club versus making puns and entertaining content about Taylor Swift.”
The inspiration to create the club came in October 2022 when Greenberg noticed a palpable buzz around the KU campus after Swift released her album “Midnights.” Greenberg admitted starting a club was daunting but a worthy pursuit as she searched for a sense of belonging.
Finding a group that shares her passion for Swift has done just that.
Greenberg saw Swift perform live during her “Eras” tour four times during the summer, and she says many other club members made it to at least one show. During the spring 2023 semester, the club held gatherings where they listened to lesser-known songs that Swift has released or songs that she performed live but has never released. The fall 2023 semester will also feature Swift’s upcoming album, set to release on Oct. 27.
Although Greenberg’s time at KU is winding down, she hopes the story of the KU Swift Society is just beginning. The club is expanding leadership opportunities to include a committee and a board of students to help with future planning and see the club through after its leader has moved on.
That process will start at UnionFest Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Kansas Union from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“We made it very clear in our constitution that we don’t care what gender, sexuality or race you are or how long you’ve known about her music,” Greenberg said. “If you’re interested in showing up, having a good time and participating in the community, you’re welcome in our club.”