CSUN’s Office of the President greeted students with the annual President’s Picnic following President Erika D. Beck’s welcome address. Each fall, faculty and staff volunteer to serve as hosts to students who stop by to enjoy music, food and activities.

“So this event helps new students get involved into the community, and it also helps older students come and see what other resources they can get into.”
“I got to take a picture with President Beck!”
“I got to see a lot of students I haven’t seen yet on campus and see them today!”

This year featured a taco bar with gluten free and vegan options available. Students played games like cornhole, giant Jenga and Connect 4 while eating and finding out about campus resources. Activities were held at two times, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. to accommodate student schedules.

“Yeah it’s just a great way to meet people and get to know the staff. It’s a great way.”
“And it brings people together, because you know not everyone has a meal, and it gives them a meal to come and eat. Maybe they’re financially unstable and it brings people together and also builds up future opportunities.”
“Always interact with others. They will help you in the future.”
“Speak to someone with a positive energy, don’t go up to someone like ‘Hey, I don’t like you’, no, just like meetup, handshake, and that’s pretty much it!”

“Come on down over to the President’s Picnic y’all.”

This year’s celebration took place on the Bayramian Hall Lawn (off of Cleary Walk).

“I like the way that it unifies everybody, it kind of gives us a reason to join together and have fun.”
“I like that, I think specifically the food brings people together, because we’re college students and we want food.”
“And free drinks, like…”
“Yeah, and the environment is always so friendly, I feel like I could go up to anyone.”

The picnic is a tradition that welcomes new and returning students to the CSUN community.