Lance Blevins tries out the Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Education slackline as part of last Wednesday’s “Laker Launch Party”.
There was something for everyone during last Wednesday’s fall 2024 “Laker Launch Party”, which took place in Garrett College’s Learning Commons.
Giant Jenga, Laker Bingo, cornhole, virtual reality welding, and a Dungeons & Dragons painting activity were all part of the “Laker Launch Party.” The event also included a slackline activity by the Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Education program, therapy dogs, demonstrations by the Combat Robotics Club, and plenty of refreshments.
While fun was definitely on the agenda, there was also a more purposeful goal for the event.
“Campus connectedness is a critical element of college persistence,” said Ashley Ruby, GC’s Learning Commons and academic success director. “With students settled into the semester and their courses, we wanted to remind them that they are not in this journey alone.
“The Laker Launch Party is an early opportunity to introduce students to the Learning Commons space, academic and campus resources, student organizations, faculty and staff, and other supports intended to help them achieve success,” added Ruby. “As the semester proceeds, we hope students will utilize the Learning Commons as a central part of their academic experience.”
GC student Renee Timbers said “getting to know people” was one of the biggest benefits of attendance. Learning Commons staff, a large faculty contingent, and other GC staff members were present to make those connections.
“The biggest goal is to facilitate interaction between students and faculty and to help students gain knowledge of campus services,” said Academic Success Advisor John Chambers.
Laker Bingo was one of the big draws. Instead of squares with letters and numbers, the Bingo cards were GC-centric, with squares identifying College professors, buildings, athletic teams, and academic programs.
“The students were so engaged in Bingo that they took over calling duties, which made it even more fun,” said Human Resources Director Janis Bush, who ran Bingo with Compliance Director Shelley Menear.
