Students at Quinnipiac University gathered in the Carl Hansen Student Center Piazza Thursday, March 26, for Bobcats Unite, an event aimed to bring the campus community together through food, activities and student engagement.
The event featured tables set up throughout the Piazza, where students could pick up T-shirts, grab pizza and take part in different activities. The main attractions were therapy dogs, which brought large groups of students looking to take a break from their daily routines.
Many students stopped by between classes to socialize and participate in the event. The casual setup allowed students to come and go while still being able to interact with everyone.
“I thought it was a really fun event,” Riley Feeney, a friend of a Quinnipiac student, said. “It was nice to just hang out, see the dogs and be around everyone. It definitely felt like a good atmosphere.”
Events like Bobcats Unite are designed to encourage student involvement and create a sense of community on campus. By offering simple activities and free food, organizers are able to attract a wide range of students.
The therapy dogs were a popular feature throughout the event, with students gathering around to spend time with them. For many students, the dogs provided a way to relax and step away from the stress of classes.
In addition to the dogs, students moved between tables picking up T-shirts and talking with others attending the event. Pizza was served throughout the afternoon, adding to the atmosphere and keeping students engaged and socializing.
“I think it’s great when the school puts on events like this,” junior business major Gavin Gudyka said. “It brings people together and gives everyone a chance to take a break and enjoy being on campus.”
The student center served as a central location for the event, making it easy to access for students across campus. Its open layout allowed for a steady flow of students moving through the space, and some even coming back to enjoy the event more.
Although the event was relatively simple, it still attracted a consistent turnout over the course of the afternoon. Many students stayed for short periods, stopping by as they passed through the student center, whether they were heading to class or the dining hall.
Events like Bobcats Unite play a role in building connections within the Quinnipiac community. By creating a space for students to interact outside of the classroom, the event contributed to a more connected campus environment and even brought together nonmembers of the community.
While the event was not large in scale, it still provided an opportunity for students to come together and enjoy a shared experience in the center of campus.