The Inter-Residence Council and Interfraternity Council joined forces for the annual Chillin’ and Grillin’ event on Tuesday afternoon. The event, hosted at Tucker/Owen Beach, had a perfect day of weather and large turnout of students for free food, games and meeting new people.
Hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers were all served with a bag of chips, a cold drink and a cup of Howling Cow ice cream. Participants who arrived early enough also received a free t-shirt to commemorate the event.
Students not eating played games like cornhole, Spikeball and volleyball, while others sat on the grass and in the shade of the oak trees to escape the blistering sun and talk to friends.
In addition to the free food and festivities, this event is a chance for students to get a glimpse into fraternity life on campus.
Will Schriefer, a third-year student in paper science and member of Greek life on campus, was deemed “grillmaster” by his fraternity for his great-tasting burgers. As grill smoke filled the air, Schriefer explained the purpose of the event from a fraternity view.
“It’s a gateway,” Schriefer said. “This event is for fraternities to come see the new recruits… and sort of an informal process of incoming freshmen men to come and experience some of the fraternity life.”
Though the event is fraternity sponsored, everyone is welcome. Erin Cloninger, a third-year in business administration, said the event resembled a “backyard bash,” and “everyone comes out, a mix of all years.”
This Wolfpack Welcome Week staple draws students in many different ways: food, fun games, new and old friends, and free t-shirts. Whether it’s the smell of grilling food or the appeal of getting a glimpse into fraternity life, Chillin’ and Grillin’ is a great way to spend an afternoon before the semester begins.
Mallory Padgett, a first-year studying chemical engineering, sat in a circle on the sidewalk with friends as they enjoyed the food.
“It’s a really fun way to meet people,” Padgett said. “Just come out and get some food and meet new friends.”
Wolfpack Welcome Week is a great way to get a head start on marking NC State traditions off the list. More information about staple Wolfpack Welcome Week events can be found on the New Student Programs webpage, and smaller events can be viewed on the day-by-day schedule.
