- Worcester State University News - https://news.worcester.edu -

Adorable farm animals draw students to Welcome Back Bash 

More than 150 students celebrated the start of the fall semester at Welcome Back Bash, which featured farm animals, prizes, and snacks.

The event took place on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Wasylean Hall Patio, and was hosted by the student- run organization, Student Events Committee as part of Worcester State University’s Welcome Week 2022. Snowcones, stuffed animals, and airbrush tattoos were all given out, and people were able to pet or hold bunnies, chicks, chickens, kittens, a goat, or a pig. The event aimed “to bring new students together and bring them social opportunities,” said SEC President and junior Avery LeBlanc.

For the past two years, the pandemic has made it more challenging to bring students together at school events. “We never stopped doing events with COVID, but this event is closest back to normalcy,” said LeBlanc. 

Some of the big draws for students included a table with make-your-own stuffed animal kits. The kits were cleared shortly after the start of the event. A long line formed in front of the Kona Ice Truck, and students were gathered all around the gated areas with the farm animals, waiting to hold one. The most interesting part of the event was “all of the animals here, specifically the goats” said senior Katie Flanagan.

“All of the animals brought me to the event,” said junior Reilly Fuller.

Both residents and commuters came out for Welcome Bash. “I didn’t want to go home, was on my way back to school and figured I should come back and check out the event,” said Junior Josiel Rivas.

Welcome Week events continue this week. Here are some highlights:

Photo: Senior Ariana Casasanta at Welcome Bash. (Photos by Allison Coppinger)