Family weekend kicked off in the courtyard with an evening of food, fun, and live music. The beautiful weather welcomed students and families alike to kick off the year with the community with the first College of Health block party.

“Events like this are so important for student engagement and making the environment feel welcoming and fun,” said Michelle Jones, the College of Health Communication Specialist and one of the event organizers.

Fun was had by everyone who attended, from giggles at the photo booth to victory cries at the dunk tank. There was something for everyone. Delicious food was also available to the partygoers, with two food trucks offering delectable meal options, along with a build-your-own snow cone bar and a popcorn station!

“A lot of professors have advertised it to us,” said Maddison Penbrock, a social work major, “we came to have fun and meet other people.”

The fun energy was tangible, with cheers ringing out from the dunk tank through the beautiful voices of the band. The dunk tank stole the show, keeping a crowd of participants and spectators alike, captivated all evening.

Leanna Campbell, a graduate assistant at the Healthy Lifestyle Center, noted that the dunk tank is what drew her to the event, saying, “Obviously, this event is very fun, but I saw my professor in the dunk tank, and I was like, ‘I have to try.’ And of course, the food, the music, the vibes.”

Students and family weren’t the only ones trying their hands at dunking the faculty in the dunk tank. Their fellow faculty and staff members also joined the fun, taking aim at their coworkers with just as much enthusiasm. Blair Mattern, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Clinical Professor of Audiology, emphasized the community at the College of Health.

“We have awesome faculty, awesome staff, awesome administrator, obviously,” Mattern said. “They’re all out here; they’re right behind you in the dunk tank. They’re trying to dunk each other in the dunk tank. I’ve worked here 15 years, I was a student here, and I am so proud to work here.”

The party was a hit, giving the community a chance to come together to celebrate the beginning of new school year with friends, family, and new faces alike. Students from every corner of the school came to the event.