Chancellor’s Picnic helps kick off the 2013-14 academic year

University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan J. Koch hosted her annual Welcome Week picnic on the quad on August 27, 2013.

The picnic gave the campus community a chance to celebrate the start of a new academic year, while enjoying free food, friendship, and great entertainment.

“What I like about it most is that it really gives me an opportunity to meet so many students,” said Koch. “They’re excited to be back, classes have met for a couple of days, everybody’s settling in and they’re all excited about the New Year.”

UIS student Natalie Noble came to the picnic hoping to meet new friends. She was excited when Chancellor Koch came and set down at her table.

“A lot of students don’t get this opportunity for the chancellor to come and sit and talk with you about any concerns you may have,” said Noble.

Anurag Reddy, an international student from India, left the picnic with a full stomach and new friends.

“It’s a wonderful chance to meet so many new people, make new friends, and there’s a lot of food too,” said Reddy.

Chancellor Koch points out this is an exciting time for UIS, as enrollment continues to increase and the number of students living on campus grows.

“There’s just a lot more student life on campus and as we continue to grow, I think it just raises the level of anticipation and excitement for everyone,” said Koch. Overall, nearly 900 people attended this year’s picnic.