By Will Adkins
The Fall 2022 semester is well underway. Four-week grades have been reported, and classes are getting more challenging. Perhaps one reason for the positive start to the semester is the welcoming luncheon held before the start of classes. This annual tradition was moved from the Clark Hall lawn to the President鈥檚 House, creating an open atmosphere.
The luncheon welcomed new students and welcomed back returning students, faculty and staff. The weather was perfect; warm temperatures and a sunny sky set the perfect mood for the day鈥檚 gathering. In case of rain, and as a relief from the sun, a large tent was pitched to the right of the President鈥檚 House. There were the famous cafeteria homemade chips, burgers, hotdogs, cookies, and brownies galore for the invitees and they could all wash it down with either ice cold water, sweet tea, or lemonade.
The mood was light and upbeat. Everyone was smiling and laughing, enjoying each other鈥檚 company. One incoming freshman remarked, 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 think that everyone would be so welcoming, and having lunch on the President鈥檚 lawn? I couldn鈥檛 have imagined the school being this open.鈥 The camaraderie between faculty, staff, and students shown that day definitely set the tone for what should be a wonderful academic year.