PPAB Student Advisory Committee Hosts Meet and Greet Event

by Abby HIckmon ’27

On Thursday, October 3rd, the PPAB Student Advisory Committee held an exciting Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering (PSE) Patio Party that proved to be a fantastic opportunity for students to take a break from classes, connect, and learn more about the community within the PSE program. Numerous PSE students, faculty members, and Marty Wakefield, Chair of the Pulp and Paper Advisory Board Annual Planning Committee, attended the event.

The evening was filled with engaging activities for students to participate in while sharing the mission of the Student Advisory Committee to connect students with the PPAB and assist with event planning. Attendees were treated to a delicious dinner from Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Throughout the event, participants enjoyed a range of fun activities. One popular station allowed students to create and decorate personalized name tags, making it easier for everyone to remember each other’s names. Another activity featured coloring individual letters that collectively spelled out “Pulp and Paper Science & Engineering,” giving students a chance to be creative and de-stress while reinforcing their program pride.

One highlight of the evening was a unique twist on the classic game of Bingo. Instead of the usual numbers and letters, participants were given Bingo cards filled with descriptive prompts, such as “an out-of-state student” or “someone who went on the PIE trip to Finland.” There were four iterations of the card to keep the conversation fresh. This innovative format encouraged students to mingle and engage in conversations with classmates they may not have met yet. Players raced to find individuals who matched the descriptions on their cards.

Prizes were awarded to the first participants to achieve traditional Bingo patterns. This friendly competition provided an excellent incentive for students to interact with one another, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and conversations.

After Bingo, students were encouraged to relax and unwind, continuing to color and play cornhole. This laid-back setting allowed attendees to further socialize and build connections in a more casual environment.

As the evening drew to a close, the enthusiasm for future events was evident. The PPAB is excited about the prospect of hosting more gatherings like the PSE Patio Party, with a commitment to continue a supportive and engaging community for all students in the program. Looking ahead, the PPAB Student Advisory Committee is eager to build on this success and create even more opportunities for connection and collaboration within the paper science and engineering community.