The fragrance of free food and snacks paired with the low vibrations of pop music and voices broke out from South Lawn on Wednesday as local groups and organizations introduced themselves to students as part of the university’s annual welcome-back week.
Vendors ranging from churches to city agencies to local businesses offering free gear, giveaways and food to members of the WKU community through Welcome Back WKU, an annual event WKU hosts with the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce.
The event is a chance for students to not only find free swag but also an opportunity to meet local groups to develop connections, find jobs and invest in the community.
“This is the definition of ‘welcome,’” Brad Wiggins, a senior psychology major, said.
As a student who has attended every Welcome Back WKU event since he became a Hilltopper, Wiggins said the event is a great opportunity for students to get involved in their university and community.
“This is an opportunity for people who are new to come check out some new clubs or churches or whatever is here,” Wiggins said.
The vendors utilize Welcome Back WKU as a way to invest in students who may be able to work with them in the future.
Attending the event, Erin Lightfoot and Jarrod Shive of Community Education of Bowling Green and Warren County said that their time investment at Welcome Back WKU yields a return: staff.
Community Education of Bowling Green and Warren County offers volunteering opportunities and training for adults to go to schools to work with children and assist in various events.
WKU students who work with Community Education are known as Youth Development Leaders, Lightfoot said. Student employees will work in the after-school programs to take care of children whose parents work late and do not want their children home alone. Student workers play with these kids and are trained to keep them safe during after-school hours.
“(WKU students) make up the majority of our staff base,” Shive said. “So this (event) is obviously a good avenue to tap into that.”
News Reporter Cameron Shaw can be reached at [email protected].
