By Mikayla Silcox
Web Editor
On the inaugural day of classes, the Black Student Union came bright and early to beat the post-summer slump with free donuts and coffee from Dunkin Donuts. The event was on the first floor of Hodson from 9 a.m. through noon, where the club met with students and staff alike to gear the school up for the start of the semester.
“We hold this breakfast to welcome the incoming freshman on campus specifically. To create this welcoming culture on campus,” BSU Vice President senior Nicole Chimezie said. “Not only is this annual tradition a welcome rally, but [it’s] an opportunity to give new students a taste of the constant events and community [at] Washington College.”
“I remember last year when the BSU did something similar, and I’m glad to see they are doing it again,” sophomore Sydney Walker said.
According to Chimezie, the purpose of the BSU breakfast, as well as many other campus-wide BSU events, is to make people excited to be at the College. Additionally, the event also allows the organization to get their name out on campus to incoming freshmen.
“It’s a great way to make sure new students who are unsure of how the dining hall works feel welcome and can eat before their first day,” junior Alexa Draper said.
The BSU aims for students to feel welcome not just during the event, but as a community students can become a part of all year long. “Coming into college, it’s important for people to find a community and organization that identifies with them,” Chimezie said. According to BSU President senior Hailey Sutton, getting freshmen involved in a space where they feel comfortable is an important part of helping all the students feel at home. As both
a peer mentor, Sutton resonates with the community-building aspect of events held by on-campus organizations at the beginning of the school year.
“We try to do something to get the campus excited to be back on campus,” Sutton said. “What’s a more exciting way to do that than free coffee and donuts in Hodson?”
The BSU has a calendar full of events prepared for the month of September. Last week the club collaborated with Kappa Sigma for a kickback and barbeque. Later this month, BSU is joining the African Student Union and the Student Event Board for a firepit and s’mores event. Additionally, at the end of the month the club is launching a mentorship program where juniors and seniors of the BSU will mentor freshmen and sophomores on social issues and academics.
Photo courtesy of Asia Elliott
Photo Caption: Students flock to Hodson Hall to get coffee and donuts from BSU Breakfast