CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison smiles for pictures with a group of young students at last year’s President’s Picnic. Photo by Lee Choo

California State University, Northridge’s annual President’s Picnic is expected to feed more than 6,500 students this year on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning members of the campus will have two opportunities to meet with President Dianne F. Harrison on the Oviatt Lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

CSUN activities assistant Anthony Bennett, this year’s picnic coordinator, said the event would be a great way for new and returning students, faculty and staff to connect and start the new semester.

“Having Dr. Harrison dance with the students [at the picnic] last year was awesome,” Bennett said. “To have her be that connected with the students was powerful, and the students really appreciated her participation.”

With dozens of faculty and staff volunteers serving beef and veggie burgers, thousands of slices of watermelon and barbeque baked beans provided by the Orange Grove Bistro, “a great service is shown to the students,” Bennett said.

“I really enjoy seeing how excited the staff and faculty are when they come to participate,” he said. “They are the ones who serve the food to all of the attendees. As students come by and grab their food, they have a great opportunity to connect with campus administrators, our athletic teams and their peers.”

The President’s Picnic is free and open to the campus community. After the event, Associated Students will host a movie night, which is open to all.

For more information on the picnic and welcome events, visit www.csun.edu/osid/wam, or call the office of Student Involvement and Development at (818) 677 – 2393.

Associated Students, President's Picnic, Student Involvement