FMU Kicks Off Academic Year with Annual First Friday Event
Florence, SC – Francis Marion University (FMU) hosted its highly anticipated annual First Friday event on August 23 at the Griffin Athletic Complex. Organized by FMU’s Student Life organization, the gathering aimed to welcome students back to campus as the new academic year begins.
What Happened During the Event
The First Friday celebration offered a vibrant array of activities, including food trucks, live music, and carnival rides. Attendees enjoyed performances by Jarvis Jett & Friends and DJ Joey, creating a lively atmosphere for the FMU community. The event was open to all students, faculty, and members of the university community.
Purpose of the Event
One of the primary goals of First Friday is to spotlight student clubs and organizations, particularly to new students. Numerous tents were set up by various groups to share their missions and attract new members. For instance, the Biology Club took this opportunity to inform students about its activities and encourage enrollment.
Biology Club’s Participation
Bailey Mitchell, a senior majoring in biology and Spanish, noted how the club offered refreshments and merchandise. “We offered sodas, agua fresca, and stickers,” Mitchell explained. They also provided an interest sheet and shared details about their plans, including events like bingo nights and an overnight camping trip for club members.
Mitchell highlighted the significance of participating in First Friday, saying, “We didn’t participate last year, but this year we had a page and a half full of signups. It is one of the best ways to get freshmen to join our club.” This year, the club aims to engage newcomers, as their involvement is crucial for the sustainability of the organization.
Community Engagement
First Friday stood out as an essential event for fostering connections within the FMU community. Leigh Detalo, a sophomore industrial engineering major, expressed her appreciation for the welcoming environment. “I really enjoyed the atmosphere, music, and activities. FMU should host more events like First Friday to help the community interact,” Detalo remarked.
Suggestions for Future Events
Students shared their thoughts on enhancing future First Friday events. Detalo suggested, “Adding some water features and more food trucks could really help boost student turnout.” She noted that the warm weather made water attractions appealing, such as a water slide, along with a varied selection of food options to cater to diverse tastes.
Looking Ahead
The First Friday event provided an excellent opportunity for new and returning students to meet and enjoy the community. With the successful turnout and positive feedback, FMU’s Student Life organization is likely to continue organizing events that enrich student experiences on campus. For updates on upcoming activities, students can keep an eye on the event calendar available on the university’s website.
