Approximately 100 students, faculty, and staff gathered for the HLA Welcome Back Dinner on August 27, kicking off the fall semester with an evening of food, conversation, and community building. The event provided an opportunity for new and returning students to connect with faculty, staff, and fellow classmates.
A highlight of the evening was a scavenger hunt organized and led by the HLA Ambassadors, encouraging students to explore the building, the greenhouse, and the Jules Janick Horticulture Garden, with prizes that included gift cards and flower bouquets.
The department extends its appreciation to the faculty and teaching staff who joined the event to welcome students back to campus, including Anjali Iyer-Pascuzzi, Yiwei Huang, Sean Rotar, Kyle Daniel, Cale Bigelow, Steve Hallett, Josh Widhalm, Kathryn Orvis, Evie Orick, Vicki Stirm, and Karen Sullivan. Special thanks also go to Christine Wilson, Senior Associate Dean and Director of the Office of Academic Programs, for stopping by to visit with students.
The event was coordinated by Rachael Carter, whose efforts helped make the evening a success. Additional thanks go to Rachael Carter, Colleen Flynn, Lori Jolly-Brown, Kristina Cooley, and Pam Fisher for assisting with event setup. The department also appreciates the HLA Ambassadors for their help preparing for the event and for leading the evening’s scavenger hunt activities.
The Welcome Back Dinner continues to be a valued HLA tradition, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year and strengthen the sense of community within the department.
