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Aimee Ernstberger, a freshman in zoology, climbs the National Guard’s rock wall at the Welcome Back Pack event Tuesday. “I love rock climbing. I do it a lot at home,” Ernstberger said. Photo by Kimberly Rochester
Where can freshman find good food, live performances and free stuff? Welcome Back Pack, hosted by University Dining Tuesday night, gave students an opportunity to find all these incentives, and also get to know their peers and familiarize themselves with campus organizations. The event was sponsored by Coca Cola and featured games, complementary items, and a live band.
Jennifer Gilmore, marketing manager for University Dining and the primary organizer of the event, said Welcome Back Pack presents a means for new and old students to get to know each other.
“College is not like high school where you kind of wait back to eventually get to the top of the heap,” she said. “College students need to get focused now and get out into the community. This event is all about giving students a chance to get to know each other and all the groups on campus.”
According to Gilmore, more than 45 campus groups participated in Welcome Back Pack including such diverse groups as the campus colleges, ultimate frisbee and the rodeo club. Entertainment included MotorMouth Mike, a comedian, Junior, a national finalist in the Clear Channel Radio Star contest, and live music by Lisa Palleschi.
“The Student Organization Resource Center did all the campus recruitment and we had a great showing from Coke, a great campus partner,” Gilmore said. “There are a significant amount of freshmen attending and it’s important for them to become part of the campus community early.”
Mr. and Ms. Wuf were present to bring school spirit. In addition to scheduled entertainers, students enjoyed a step show from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a performance by Wolfgang-A-Capella, and a walk-through parade from the marching band.
Ethan Bartlett, a junior in economics and one of the solicitors at the Student Government table, said Welcome Back Pack is a good demonstration of how the University provides for its students.
“It’s a great environment to meet new people, especially for freshmen. It shows the University cares about them and spends the time and money to cater just to them,” Bartlett said. “It’s also a good recruiting tool.”
Bartlett said the event provides a way for student organizations to get out information and reach students, although the involvement of the students determines the success of the night.
Director of Dining Services Randy Lait said the event is meant to make students feel more at home with the N.C. State family.
“We want to create a welcoming atmosphere for incoming students and have them meet each other, socialize, and learn about student involvement opportunities,” Lait said. “We have a really good turnout. It’s really important at the first of the semester to get people together and have them feel like part of the community.”
Richard Wachowiak and Aaron Purkaple, both freshmen in nuclear engineering, both said the event was a lot of fun and affords students an opportunity to interact with each other.
“I enjoyed being with a big group and I got to meet new people,” Wachowiak said. “I went up to a booth but didn’t sign up for much.”
Purkaple said campus organizations were really persistent in trying to solicit student involvement and sometimes wouldn’t even give away their stuff until you signed up.
Natalie Bunch, a senior in landscape architecture and one of the solicitors at the Inter-varsity Christian Fellowship table, said it was good to see freshmen interested in the campus community and getting involved.
“It’s mostly freshmen here. We’re interested in talking to students, freshmen in particular, and encouraging people to come to events,” Bunch said. “People are becoming more invested in their future and acquiring knowledge. Apathy is a big deterrent, but I’m not seeing it here. Welcome Back Pack is well received.”
Jordan Jones, a freshman in the First Year College, said Welcome Back Pack really shows the University and campus organizations are trying to reach out to students, as representatives at each table will actively approach students.
“You can tell a lot of effort was put into the event,” she said.