The Big Bulldog Welcome event at Fresno State started off the second week of school with high spirits and a high turnout. The event was hosted by Spotlight Events and provided both a welcoming environment and a platform for Fresno State services to reach out to incoming students.
The Big Bulldog Welcome event took place on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fresno State’s Memorial Gardens. The goal of the annual event was for students to understand and take advantage of the services and resources Fresno State has to offer.
“The main goal for our program at least is to make sure that students are aware of our program,” said Angel Barraza, outreach support specialist for Fresno State’s TRiO Student Support Services Program. “Even current students do not know that our program exists.”
Representatives from many service organizations attended the event. Their booths dotted the Memorial Gardens and many had pins, Bulldog merch and Dole Whip to offer to students. The services provided to students with a variety of backgrounds and interests, such as international students and veterans.
“I really connected with the Student Union,” said Gabriela Puente, a junior studying animal science. “They were also talking about resources in the library and that’s what I found really helpful.”
Other Fresno State services present at the event included, but were not exclusive to, Project Rebound, Vintage Days, the Fresno State Library and Student Involvement.
The Big Bulldog Welcome event was lively as many of the booths entertained the students and DJ Burns added to the energetic atmosphere.
“It’s honestly really nice,” said Diane Elascencia, a senior studying liberal studies. “Just seeing everybody with a positive attitude and encouraging us to keep going as students.”
