A group of sociable seawolves got together and created lifelong memories at the “Friday Night Live” event hosted by Student Involvement on Sept. 23. The event took place on campus at Weyden & Brewsters located in the Student Center. An array of board games were scattered across the tables including Jenga, Yahtzee, Catch Phrase, and Connect 4. More than a dozen students participated in the activities and indulged in Cold Stone Ice Cream-courtesy of the event planners. 

First year student Katie Galinis explained how she heard about the Ice Cream Social, “I was in Verdot [village] with my friends, and a group of kids started yelling about free ice cream so we followed them.” 

There were a multitude of toppings and ice cream flavors including cookie dough, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and even lemon sorbet. 

 The seawolves participating seemed eager and excited to beat their peers in a friendly competition of board games. That night, the most popular game that was played amongst students was Jenga. As the night went on Weyden & Brewsters, Jenga blocks crashed onto table tops and laughter emerged from the crowds of friends. 

A transfer student in attendance, Michaela Wang, gave a word of advice for people who may be nervous to show up to Student Involvement events, “Take a leap of faith. Leave your dorm or wherever you are living and do it!” Michaela and her friend group attend events that are put on by SSU every week. Their favorite event that has occurred at Weyden & Brewsters so far is Grocery Bingo. 

At the Ice Cream Social, there were Seawolves ranging from first time freshman to fourth year students. These events are typically free and are a great way to interact with the Sonoma State community. If students just starting out on their college journey are hesitant to attend these events, first time freshman Mikaili Thomas suggests, “Show up to activities that you know you will like.” Thomas said the first event she felt comfortable attending was “Paint by Numbers” hosted by Student Involvement, where Seawolves were able to make their own DIY art piece.

The office of Student Involvement aims to provide events that students would want to participate in. The student worker who supervised the Friday Night Live, Tia Booker, explained that there is a group of six students (including herself) who collaborate to put on events such as the Ice Cream Social. Booker emphasized the importance of being actively involved in the campus community, “There is always a reason to show up. Regardless, there will be people who are willing to conversate, everyone is super inclusive.”  

Student Involvement primarily puts on weekend events. On top of the Friday Night Live (FNL), this past weekend, SSU put on a getaway trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with discounted admission for students. To be in the know about upcoming events follow the Student Involvement instagram @ssu.studentinvolvement, or look for posterring across campus.