The Delta State University College of Business welcomed students back for the fall semester with one of the things students love the most – free food! Through a collaborative effort of several academic departments and student organizations, a welcome back picnic was held on the Quad last Wednesday during Welcome Week. The invitation to the picnic was extended to all business students and all international students at Delta State. The picnic allows these students an opportunity to mingle not only with each other but also with instructors outside the classroom setting.
A number of student organization leaders assisted in the planning and preparation of the picnic. Computer Information Systems (CIS) instructor Eckward McKnight grilled hot dogs and hamburgers while several other College of Business faculty and staff members prepared side dishes and volunteered to serve the food to the students as they stopped to grab a bite between classes.
Dr. Billy Moore, dean of the College of Business said, “It is such a special time when our College of Business faculty and staff can celebrate the return of our students to campus. Special thanks to our Division of Accountancy, Computer Information Systems, and Finance for taking the lead in this effort, and for all those who contributed toward the abundance of food and goodies. It is rewarding to be a part of a group willing to ‘brave the heat’ to express appreciation to our students as they begin the fall semester.”
The welcome back picnic started two years ago as an event for CIS majors and international students in the College of Business; it was sponsored by the Delta State chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). After April Mondy, past president of AITP, participated in a study abroad course in Europe, she wanted to hold an event to welcome the international students into the Delta State community. She contacted several faculty and administrators who all supported the idea of hosting a welcome back event for the entire College of Business and all international students on campus. Her initiative led to an annual event jointly hosted by the College of Business, Graduate and Continuing Studies, AITP, Student Accountants and Business Administrators, the Business Student Advisory Council, the Graduate Student Council, the US Department of Education Business and International Education Grant, and the US Department of State Global UGRAD Fellowship Program.
