Montclair State University has a new club in town, and it’s the cat’s meow. Junior transfer student Yitzi Halberstam has founded Montclair State’s Garfield Club. Meetings occur every other Wednesday in University Hall room 2026 from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.
Halberstam initially started Garfield Club during his time at Bergen Community College, as a place for students to gather and “garf” together. “I realized that there’s really not a lot of third spaces – neutral places and clubs where people can just join without needing prior interests or specifications,” Halberstam said. “Garfield is incredibly general, and I’d had several Garfield shirts, so I was like, ‘someone should probably make [this club].’”
Garfield Club president Yitzi Halberstam poses for the camera at the inaugural Garfield Club meeting. Stefan Filipovic | The Montclarion
Garfield club events include Garfield Show and Tell, movie nights, slideshow nights, crafting of the Garfield Constitution and the crown jewel of them all: Lasagna Night. The club is also actively working with its members to create fun and exciting events for all who wish to enjoy the glory of Garfield.
The Garfield Club plays a themed Kahoot during its first meeting. Stefan Filipovic | The Montclarion
The Garfield club quickly gained fame, as Halberstam advertised the club on Red Hawk Day and beyond. Over 100 Montclair State students joined the original Discord server, intrigued by the club’s art, massive Garfield plush, and sheer spirit.
The first Garfield Club meeting was on Wednesday, September 26. Members stood for their anthem, The Garfield Show opening, and reviewed the “pawsome” officers and “hiss-terical” constitution. The meeting ended with a fun game of Garfield Kahoot, and the next meeting will be a thrilling Garfield show and tell.
Senior Hannah Molitor poses with her mass amounts of Garfield and Odie merchandise. Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion
Hannah Molitor, a fourth-year student, is thrilled to be joining the Garfield Club. “I joined Garfield Club because I have an intimate obsession with Garfield,” Molitor explained. The prospect of being able to share her passion and collection of all things Garfield and Odie with her peers was what appealed to Molitor in the first place. “He is intertwined with my soul, not just as an icon, but a character, and all of his media makes me smile.”
Emilie Rose Schultz, a third-year student, is Halberstam’s partner and attended Bergen Community College with him. She is thrilled to see the Garfield Club gearing up at their new university.
“If you want a chance to meet new people, but don’t want to feel that pressured, this is the place to be,” Schulz said of the club.
Garfield may just be a sleepy, hungry cat who hates Mondays, but to many students, he is a relatable icon. If you enjoy watching Garfield cartoons, meeting fellow Garfield enjoyers, eating lasagna, and destressing, Garfield Club is the place for you.
More details about the Garfield Club can be found on the club’s Engage page and Discord server, or on its Instagram page (@msugarfieldclub).
The first-ever meeting of the Garfield Club on Wednesday, September 25th. Stefan Filipovic | The Montclarion
