CSUN President to Be ‘Welcomed’ at Picnic

Considering how her summer has gone, Cal State Northridge President Blenda Wilson should be looking forward to the annual President’s Welcome Picnic on Aug. 27, where the toughest decision she will face will be choosing between hamburgers and hot dogs.

Faculty and staff volunteers will join Wilson and other CSUN administrators to dish out burgers, dogs, baked beans and soft drinks to thousands of students during two sessions. One is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the other from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Last year, about 9,000 students stopped by to sample the free food and chat with Wilson, many for the first time. Next week, there will be plenty of topics to discuss, such as the school’s controversial decision--since reconsidered--to drop four varsity men’s sports teams, and Wilson’s status as one of five finalists for the president’s job at Wayne State University in Michigan.

“The picnic has become a very popular event,” said Shellie Smith of CSUN’s Student Development Office, which organizes the picnic. “It’s a chance for students, faculty and staff to relax in the hectic first week of classes.”

The fall semester officially starts Aug. 25.