The Michigan Times

It was a big start to the semester for UM-Flint. Housing took the spotlight, but there were plenty of other events that took place in and around campus to welcome in the new school year.

Students had the opportunity to participate in several celebratory activities, such as the International Taste Fest, Taste of Downtown, "College Humor" comedy showcase, Cultural Center Invasion, a 9/11 Tribute Concert, and the annual Welcome Back Picnic.

Each event was meant to highlight different aspects of the UM-Flint community, and for students to enjoy a hands-on look at their campus and surrounding community.

"[It was] an avenue of engaging our students with the different cultures that are associated with the school," said student activities coordinator Jessie Hurse.

In order to give students a better idea and understanding of the diversity around campus, the Office of Student Life hosted an "International Taste Fest" on Sept. 3, featuring free food from different cultures. Students had the opportunity to taste squid, Mexican cuisine and even Filipino fare. The event also gave the attendees a chance to ask questions about cultures other than their own.

Eight businesses from around Flint had their turn next, offering UM-Flint students a "Taste of Downtown" on Sept. 4.

First, students stopped at the Farmer’s Market next to campus before being divided into three groups that went to two different restaurants each. At the end of the trip, students were given three $5 coupons for any of the eight participating businesses.

Another way students were able to experience the city around them was the Cultural Center Invasion on Sept. 6.

The Cultural Center, the Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music, The Whiting and Sloan Museum were highlighted, among others. Free passes to these places were given away along with other prizes, such as a laptop.

No topic was off limits at the "College Humor" comedy showcase on Sept. 5. The event featured performances by Aries Spears of "Mad TV," along with two up-and-coming comedians, Richie Anderson and Dan Mangini, each from NBC’s "Last Comic Standing," who performed to a capacity crowd at the UM-Flint Theatre.

With the changes on campus, this year’s welcome events were more extravagant than normal, but most went off without a hitch.

"It’s an exciting way to kick off the school year," said Christine Marchione, Campus Activities Board vice president. "It gets students out there and involved and that’s pretty fun and exciting."