Last Friday, Black Student Union (BSU) and Multicultural Student Services (MSS) co-sponsored their annual Welcome Cookout. The event was held in Thomas Plaza from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Students from across campus came to enjoy a free meal and fellowship. Faculty, staff, and community members were also among those in attendance.

Student volunteers from BSU and MSS manned the event, keeping track of student and faculty visitors, ensuring food never ran out at the table, and running the sound system. The volunteers served the food buffet style, piling all plates high.

“[It’s] a great opportunity to get some good food and connect with others, not just your friends. And [also connect with] organizations you might not connect with otherwise,” said senior Abby Musser. “Food is one of the easiest ways to connect with people.”