Eagerly awaiting a new stuffed friend, students lined the Downing Student Union lobby to make plush bears and heart pillows Tuesday, as part of the Campus Activities Board’s Stuff-A-Plush event.

Attendees began by selecting a plush: a light brown bear or a pillow styled after conversation hearts candy. Next, they stuffed their plushes with white cotton and fastened the velcro on the plush to secure the stuffing inside. The event also featured a popcorn stand and a photo booth.

Kaitlyn Rather, a junior nursing major, said she appreciates how events like these can help bring students together.

“It brings in a lot of people into DSU, especially, and you get to meet new people,” said Rather. “So it’s always super fun to have fun events like this.”

Rather also shared her plans to make her newly stuffed bear into her “little patient” that she can practice her nursing skills on in her dorm.

Sharing in Rather’s excitement, Olivia Tharp, a sophomore communications major, said the event was a nice “mood booster” for students readjusting to classes following the recent closure of campus, and that she plans to keep her new plush on her bed as a reminder of the experience.

“It’s really fun and it’s just something to like, keep everyone’s spirits high,” Tharp said.

Rawa Sam, a junior pre-med biochemistry major and a member of the Campus Activities Board, shared hopes that attendees will take away more than just plushes.

“What I hope people take away from this is that CAB is always here to support students and make events for them,” said Sam. “Our job here is to make sure that students get what they want and get the full experience of college.”

Sam shared her hope that the Campus Activities Board can continue to host events for the student body, and that students will continue to provide their ideas for exciting new events.

“At the end of the day, you know, CAB is here for the campus,” said Sam.