WSU Pullman Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton and Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson will help serve up a sweet welcome for Cougs as they enter a new school year in the Pullman community at the Be #PullmanProud Ice Cream Social.
The ice cream social will be a relaxed meet-and-greet open house serving as a way for Cougs to learn more about the resources, amenities and activities available to them as WSU Pullman students through one-on-one conversations with campus and community leaders and representatives. It is 3–6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center and open to all new and returning Cougs.
“Our goal with the Be #PullmanProud Ice Cream Social is to create a fun environment in which Cougs can learn more about the community that will be their home during their tenure at WSU Pullman,” said Elizabeth Rudd-McManus, Brelsford WSU Visitor Center manager. “We hope that by engaging directly with community members and gathering information students will find a sense of place and belonging in Pullman.”
Cougs are invited to enjoy a scoop of free Ferdinand’s ice cream — their choice from three classic flavors: Apple Cup Crisp, Huckleberry Ripple and Tin Lizzy Classic — while picking up information and conversing with various residents, business owners, current Cougs and local leadership, including Chilton and Johnson, about Pullman. Other activities planned for the social include yard games, souvenir photos, a guestbook signature wall and getting started on the Be #PullmanProud Challenge Card.
“A large part of what makes WSU Pullman so special is the partnership that we celebrate with our local community,” Chilton said. “The #PullmanProud Ice Cream Social is a fun way to bring new and returning Cougs downtown and remind them of all the incredible amenities our city has to offer.”
Students are encouraged to participate in the Be #PullmanProud Challenge following the ice cream social to explore the city, local businesses and shops, and discover new ways to move throughout town. The challenge requires Cougs to complete a total of five activities from an overall list of 20 — taking photos or videos of themselves as they complete each — for the chance to win a prize.
Cougs can return to the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center with the photos and videos of their five completed challenges to redeem a prize. Prizes have been contributed by various Pullman businesses and will be distributed while supplies last.
“The Be #PullmanProud Challenge is intended to provide students with a starting point for getting into the community — something that on its own can be a little daunting, especially when new to an area,” Rudd-McManus said. “We want it to be a fun — and slightly competitive — way for Cougs to find new places in town and then return to the community afterward by way of the prizes won.”
The Be #PullmanProud Ice Cream Social is a continuation of efforts to welcome Cougs into the Pullman community and provide avenues for becoming involved and engaged residents themselves through personal connections while fostering town-gown relations. The ice cream social is hosted by the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center, Downtown Pullman Association and Pullman Chamber and Visitor Center.
Pullman Chamber and Visitor Center Executive Director Marie Dymkoski is excited to welcome Cougs “back home” to Pullman and believes the Be #PullmanProud Ice Cream Social embodies the spirit of partnership between WSU Pullman and the local community.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to not only enjoy delicious ice cream but also to connect with fellow Cougs, local leaders, and discover the offerings of Pullman,” Dymkoski said. “We look forward to fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging meaningful interactions that will enrich their experiences here.”
More information about the Be #PullmanProud Ice Cream Social is available at wsu.presence.io/events.
