Chancellor's Picnic makes students feel welcome

 

University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan J. Koch helped kick off the 2014-15 academic year by hosting her annual Welcome Week picnic on August 26th.

“It’s a time honored tradition that we do during our first week of the semester and it’s just a great opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to get together and kick off the year together,” said Koch.

Cydney Norvill just transferred to UIS this semester. She’s been looking forward to the Chancellor’s Picnic since an upperclassmen friend told her about the event.

“She was like if you do one thing this week, you have to go to this picnic,” said Norvill.

The picnic gives Koch an opportunity to talk to students and learn about their UIS experience.

“My favorite part is just really walking around and talking to everyone,” said Koch. “I just talked to some international students from India who have just been here 5 days.”

International student Syed Aqueel Ahmed admits he was nervous coming to the United States from his native India. However, it’s events, such as the picnic, that make him feel welcome at UIS.

“It’s these sort of start-up things that make (me) feel comfortable,” said Ahmed.

It’s estimated that 750 people attended this year’s picnic.