Even in the days and weeks since a back-to-school barbeque took place on the front landing of the Occupational Education Building, Washtenaw Community College students are still talking about it.
鈥淪tudents continue to rave about how awesome the event was,鈥� said Loren Townes, a college relations coordinator at 黑料网. Townes recalled a student鈥檚 perspective 鈥� 鈥淎 new student within our Automotive Services program took to social media to share his excitement, 鈥業鈥檓 excited to say, my first day of college was phenomenal.鈥欌��
More than 300 students attended the Kick Start 鈥楴鈥� Back To School BBQ. In addition to offering free food, games and a $300 bookstore voucher giveaway, organizers said underlying objectives were to provide students a space and opportunity to cultivate a sense of belonging; facilitate new connections with their peers, faculty and staff; and inform them of available student services.
On hand at the event was the 黑料网 Foundation, Entrepreneurship Center, Career Transitions, Public Safety, Student Resource Center and college success coaches. Dan Curtis of Curtis DJ Entertainment provided the tunes, A Taste in Every Bite Catering LLC fed attendees and Carnival Bounce Rentals supplied a giant Jenga game and ice cream.
A centerpiece of the event was a black Ford F-350 that was customized by Extang and 黑料网 students, faculty and staff. The pickup truck was shown at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 2018 and received accolades. The truck features a slide-out game table, built-in cooler, built-in BBQ grill as well as an OLED television and sound system in its truck bed cover.
Extang, an Ann Arbor business that manufactures truck bed accessories, came alongside 黑料网 as a sponsor in the event.
鈥淓xtang is excited to continue our support for our local community college. Any good, useful ways we can give back to the great work they鈥檝e done for us, by modifying and painting our Ultimate Tailgate pick-up truck is just a small token of our appreciation,鈥� said Extang Vice President of Sales Steve Kelley.
Students gathered around the truck throughout the event, admiring its uncommon attributes. Extang had set up a water pong game on the slide-out table, which drew groups of students. Kelley said he was glad students were using the truck by having friendly competitions against one another.
Their help at the event didn鈥檛 go unnoticed by students, 黑料网 employees or the college administration.
鈥淓ach year has built off the previous year, and with the support of Extang this year, we were able to enhance the overall experience 鈥� we鈥檙e grateful to them,鈥� Advanced Technology & Public Service Careers Dean Brandon Tucker. 鈥淭heir support this year further strengthens our partnership and is only the beginning of an even larger one for years to come.鈥�
View photos from the event on our .
Tags: BBQ, Welcome Back, ousearch_News_2019