SEMO PICNIC DRAWS THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS

Southeast Missouri State University welcomed its students Sunday with the annual "Welcome Back Picnic" at Capaha Park.

"Look at this," said Southeast President Dr. Ken Dobbins, taking in the sunny day. "The weather just couldn't get more perfect."

The picnic, sponsored by the University Relations Committee of the Cape Gir-ardeau Chamber of Commerce, with food provided by Chartwells, drew approximately 4,000 students to the park to enjoy the free food and drinks and activities.

Senior Aaron Fadler said he enjoyed the opportunity to gather together with other students. "I'm loving the food, and all the booths are really cool," he said. "You can get free stuff and meet new people."

His girlfriend, sophomore Beth Wuebbels, agreed. "It's such a great college experience for everyone to be able to see all their friends," she said.

Many campus and area organizations also set up booths around the park, giving out free candy, pens and straws, among other items, and advertising their services.

"It's really nice to see all the businesses and churches here to provide students with opportunities," Dobbins said.

Senior Andrea Holloway said she remembered her first welcome back picnic. "When I was a freshman, I just walked around here so scared," she said. "Now, I'm just so excited to see everybody back from the summer."

Dobbins said the Opening Week activities, particularly move-in day, ran probably the smoothest he's ever seen in his 10 years at Southeast. He credited the 500-plus volunteers for their effort in the moving in process.

"It was so nice to see people help make other students comfortable in their home away from home," he said.

Students milled about the park, enjoying the weather and the atmosphere.

"What more could you ask for?" said sophomore David Eades. "Beautiful weather, free stuff, free drinks and sno-cones."

But Eades and senior Nick Centanni decided not to go for the sno-cones. "The line was just too long," Centanni said.