Lerner College students, faculty, administrators gather for end-of-year picnic

12:56 p.m., May 18, 2012--The student-to-faculty relationship on a college campus is important not only in the classroom but also in a setting that cultivates personal relationships. The Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics took a step to facilitate those personal relationships at the annual college picnic held Wednesday, May 9.

Students, faculty and administrators gathered on the lawn off Orchard Road for food, music and socializing. 

Campus Stories

From graduates, faculty

As it neared time for the processional to open the University of Delaware Commencement ceremonies, graduating students and faculty members shared their feelings about what the event means to them.

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The event, hosted by the Lerner College Student Advisory Board and sponsored by Dean Bruce Weber and the Lerner College, originated to cultivate a sense of community and give students a chance to not only interact with other students outside the classroom but also interact with the faculty and administration in a relaxed setting.

Guests enjoyed free food catered by Freddy's Wings To Go, a popcorn machine, cotton candy machine and a tie-dying station all to the music of a DJ.

Carole Slacum, an undergraduate marketing major and advertising minor, commented on the atmosphere that the picnic created and how it encouraged student-professor engagement on a more personal level.

“It’s a great environment for us to consult faculty members about events occurring on campus, our personal job search strategies or even just to receive general advice or guidance,” said Slacum.

Slacum also noted that the relationship was not one way. She said the picnic created a relaxed setting which made it easier for students to give professors and administrators honest and constructive feedback about courses and the college in general.

As a graduating senior, Slacum said she was appreciative to have an event like the picnic to help ease some tension about her impending job search.

“Professors and administrators are there to help us and you never know who could help you in the future,” said Slacum. “The relationships you forge in college are the connections you will have for the rest of your life.”

Article by Arianne Minch