Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson last week hosted his annual Ice Cream Social.
“We try to do it in September of each year when the weather is still nice and students, faculty, and staff can come and interact with each other and take a break from classes,” Johnson said.
Most of the students went for the varied ice cream flavors like moose tracks and cookies and cream, which is what Vincennes University student Jaden Rice chose.
“I think it is a good way to talk to more people in just a small area,” Rice said of the popular event.
Johnson himself, however, opted not to partake.
“I put a pass on the ice cream, but it looks really, really good,” he said.
Students say they love the atmosphere at the Ice Cream Social.
“I’ve seen some of my friends around,” said VU student Lucas Rodney McClure.
The Ice Cream Social has been an annual event for over 20 years, even preceding President Johnson himself.
The event might be about fun for the students, but to the president, it is about celebrating the students’ accomplishments.
“It’s a way to engage with students and the rest of the university community. It’s an opportunity for us to kind of check in with them and see how they’re doing,” he said.
Johnson also believes this event turns people’s frowns upside down.
“It is an opportunity for us to give a little ice cream and put a smile on people’s faces, give them a little encouragement for how things are going,” he said. “The biggest thing is the opportunity to be a part of these people’s lives,” said Johnson.
This event is also a great place to make lifelong relationships with fellow students.
“It’s wonderful to see them come together, learn from each other, and develop friendships that I know that 25, 34, or 50 years from now, some will still probably be friendships,” said Johnson.
