Ice cream, popcorn, and snow cones, oh my!

New and returning students and their families were officially welcomed to campus at the College of Education's Welcome Celebration on August 23. Attendees had the opportunity to meet classmates, talk with faculty and local teachers, and learn about volunteer opportunities. The beautiful and hot summer afternoon served as the perfect backdrop for such an event and also made the ice cold water, syrupy snow cones, and refreshing ice cream popular commodities.

View photos on the College of Education Flickr.

New and returning students had the chance to talk with mentor/volunteer coordinators from local school districts. Student organizations SEA, MAFE (see link for guide to acronyms) and Epsilon Delta were also on hand, as well as Ben's Bells and staff from the Office of International Programs.

Dean Mary Kalantzis warmly welcomed students, their families, and the entire College community to the event. She also thanked the Student Academic Affairs Office for organizing the event—the third of its kind.

As the tradition for any student event, there was plenty of food on hand, as well as other attractions, including inflatable activities and music by DJ Terrance Stevenson to create a festive mood.

There were also plenty of contests, including an ice-breaking, get-to-know-the-staff game and an "I Think I can Dance" contest. Winner of the grand prize, an i-pad mini, was student Grace Paulson. Participants wrapped up the event by line dancing in the summer sun.