West Quad Hosts First-Year Fall Fest
By Sophie Lange, Contributing Writer
Students paint pumpkins at the First-Year Fall Fest on Oct. 1 2022 in the CUB Ballroom (Photo Will Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
The Office of Residential Education (ResEd) hosted a First-Year Fall Fest event on Oct. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the College Union Building Ballroom.
As one of many events hosted by RedEd for first-year students to assist in adjusting to college life, this particular event was intended to help first-years meet new people and deepen their relationships with the Gettysburg College community.
Assistant Director of Residential Education Brooke Gutschick ’17 said she was “encouraged to see so many students come out to the events that ResEd is hosting. It reaffirms for [the Office of Residential Education] that [they] are meeting the social wellness goals that [they] have here; [they] want to provide a sense of belonging for First-Years as they start to make Gettysburg their home.”
Gutschick also recognized the West Quad Resident Coordinators who assisted in planning the Fall Fest: Autumn Chassie ’23, Anthony Choi ’23, and Kenzie McKowen ’23. Gutschick noted that without their hard work and dedication, this event would not have been possible.
Choi said the event, “was a great introduction to building an inclusive community for first-year residents.”
Students play games at the First-Year Fall Fest on Oct. 1, 2022 in the CUB Ballroom (Photo Will Oehler/The Gettysburgian).
Unfortunately, turnout at this event was not as large as it could have been due to a combination of cold, rainy weather and a location change.
One student, Harrison Powers ’26, commented that he thought the event was “heavily advertised, and [he] was surprised by the turnout.”
Many students sat at tables painting mini pumpkins, while others waited in long lines for cotton candy. Other activities included frisbee and cornhole.
There was a variety of fall-themed food available as well. Students could get caramel apples and top them with sprinkles, M&Ms, and Oreos, and the event also offered popcorn, apple cider, and hot chocolate. The entire ballroom was filled with cheerful conversation and bright laughter as students enjoyed the Fall Fest.
Students paint pumpkins at the First-Year Fall Fest on Oct. 1, 2022 in the CUB Ballroom (Photo Will Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Students who attended the event enjoyed their time at the Fall Fest.
Izzy Coupe ’26 described the event as “very cute,” and Tyler McMorrow ’26 said that he found the event to be “festive.”
The general consensus of students attending the event was that it was a fun way to celebrate the arrival of fall with classic fall staples, such as pumpkins and apples.
Despite the weather, the event was a success for students who attended, and it was a great way to help first-year students get to know the campus community better. According to organizers, the event will return for the Class of 2027 next year.
