By Kesha Williams, University Relations
The main campus celebrated the first day of classes with the second annual Unity Luncheon that brought together students, faculty and staff for a great time of food, fun and fellowship.
Approximately 1,200 people attended this year’s event.
This year’s luncheon offered something new – location. It was moved to Core Campus from Bowman Field.
“This is a great location because we were able to attract more natural student foot traffic,” said Whitney Brown, assistant director of leadership and community engagement for Campus Activities and Events. “The luncheon is a great way for students to meet staff and kickoff the school year.”
One of the great things about the luncheon is how it brings people together who might not have met before. You never know who you might see at the luncheon.
Erin Leonard, a junior computer engineering major from Skillman, N.J., had a great unexpected conversation with Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Bob Jones. He asked her where the water was and then decided to sit down with her and her friend, Juliana Baumann. He talked to them about what Clemson was like when he was a student and the exciting changes that are moving Clemson forward today.
“I had not had the opportunity to speak with him before this event and it was such a great conversation,” Leonard said. “We talked about the experiences we’d had meeting different people on campus and some of the challenges that we are dealing with now.”
Not only were new connections made, but it was a great opportunity to see old friends as well. Baumann, a junior women’s leadership major, ran into Undergraduate Student Government Vice President Jaren Stewart who she met at a “silent disco” event her freshman year.
Each attendee was given an orange bracelet labeled CU United as a keepsake from the event.
“I think wonderful things are going to happen this year,” Leonard said.
Almeda Jacks, vice president of Student Affairs, agrees that it was a wonderful kickoff to a great year.
“This was our second annual Unity Luncheon, and I’m very proud of the work put together by our staff in Student Affairs and other campus partners to make it a huge success. Like all the other events during Kick-Off Clemson week, the Unity Luncheon is a time for the entire campus to come together to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year and the wonderful opportunities it brings for the community.”
