There are a couple of reasons why the lawn outside the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center saw an abundance of Hilltoppers on a 90-degree day: free Kona Ice and shade. 

Chillin with PCAL kicked off the semester Monday as students inside and outside the college connected. 

“We’re just wanting to welcome PCAL students back and show that we’re a community here,” said Emma Harris, who helped host the event.

Harris is vice president of the dean’s council and a senior majoring in professional writing, international affairs and Chinese.

Karisha Petty, a junior public relations major, attended the event to support PCAL and enjoyed a free snow cone as an added benefit.

“Finding a way to stay cool and also gather with your community is really effective,” Petty said.

Jade Ismail, a junior majoring in biochemistry and psychological science, said she appreciated the diversity and inclusiveness at the event, which represents how she feels about PCAL.

“Whenever you look at PCAL, you can tell there’s diversity… with all the majors,” Ismail said.