Wren Hodgson, Contributing Writer
Virginia Commonwealth University has more than 500 student clubs and organizations, but some have gained less traction than others.
Gunpla Builders of VCU is a student-run club focused on building Gundam plastic models, a Japanese science fiction media franchise, with around 98 members. Members meet weekly to assemble, customize and discuss their favorite mecha kits. The club meets every Thursday at 5 p.m. in Harris Hall, room 2129.
The club meets weekly, but also hosts multiple club-wide events throughout the semester.
Sri Challuri, treasurer of Gunpla Builders of VCU, has been a member of the club since his first semester.
“All of our hobbytown trips are really fun because it’s that moment where newcomers, they kind of see the wider kind of designs Gundam has,” Challuri said.
Challuri, who is from Northern Virginia, was pleasantly surprised to have a community of people who share the same interests.
Meetings are casual and welcoming to those of all skill levels, Challuri said. Members get the chance to enjoy showing people that their passion is appreciated and continue to encourage them.
Ian Tombleson, president of Gunpla Builders of VCU, has been a fan of Gundam since he was a child and joined the club as soon as he heard about it.
“We will generally push to them what the club is about, but we also like to encourage them to share their passion and hobby,” Tombleson said. “At the end of the day we just want to hang out and listen to what other people have to say and the passion they have.”
Muntaha Jafri, outreach manager of Gunpla Builder of VCU, joined after coming to one of the club’s meetings to fix one of her figures. She ended up staying after making friends and feeling welcomed by the community.
“It was really nice to see everyone come together to help you get into the hobby or just help you with whatever you need,” Jafri said.
The Gunpla Builders at VCU has a highly friendly and supportive community making it easy for everyone to come together, according to other club members.
More insight on Gunpla Builders at VCU can be found on their Instagram, www.instagram.com/gunplavcu or emailing gunplabuildersvcu@gmail.com.