Students filled the Merritt Athletic Field as the delicious smell of kettle corn wafted through the air. The music spurred happiness and positivity to students who experienced a tiring first week of school.
On the evening of Friday Aug. 31, the Geneseo Campus Activities Board and Geneseo Late Knight hosted their annual Welcome Back Jam. This joyful, stress-free event welcomed old and new students to come together and participate in various activities.
Coordinator for Late Night Programs and Activities Brandon Galligan approximates that GLK has been organizing events for around 15 years. These events bring students together and encourage greater socialization between the classes.
“[The purpose of the event] was to kick off the first week of classes and everybody being back,” Galligan said. “We just wanted everybody to have something they can come to, unwind, get some free food and have some fun.”
The Rochester band Desmos played live music alongside students as they ziplined while watching the sunset, jumped on inflatables and ran around in human-sized bubble balls. GLK also offered an assortment of delicious free food that students ate together.
Several students enjoyed this year’s Jam, including the ability to mingle with peers. Geology major junior Jonah Stiner recognized that these special events encourage students to meet new people.
“It’s the first week back, so all the freshmen are integrating with sophomores, juniors and seniors,” Stiner said. “It’s a good time to make friends and it’s a ton of fun.”
Undeclared junior Kate Huppé observed how exciting the event appeared and added that, as a junior, it was her first time ever attending the Welcome Back Jam.
Pre-biology major sophomore Paul Bucki enjoyed the event for its festive atmosphere.
“I think the event’s pretty cool,” Bucki said. “The purpose is just to relax and have fun because college can be pretty stressful.”
The variety of activities offered is part of GLK’s mission to provide entertainment and to encourage laughter and bonding, while also adding a level of comfort.
GLK’s goals include helping to mitigate the stress students feel throughout the week, according to Galligan.
This year’s Jam was considered a success and will surely be something to look forward to in years to come.