FMU Kicks Off Academic Year with Annual First Friday Event
Florence, SC – Francis Marion University (FMU) hosted its highly anticipated annual First Friday event on August 23 at the Griffin Athletic Complex. Organized by FMU’s Student Life organization, the gathering aimed to welcome students back to campus as the new academic year begins.
What Happened During the Event
The First Friday celebration offered a vibrant array of activities, including food trucks, live music, and carnival rides. Attendees enjoyed performances by Jarvis Jett & Friends and DJ Joey, creating a lively atmosphere for the FMU community. The event was open to all students, faculty, and members of the university community.
Purpose of the Event
One of the primary goals of First Friday is to spotlight student clubs and organizations, particularly to new students. Numerous tents were set up by various groups to share their missions and attract new members. For instance, the Biology Club took this opportunity to inform students about its activities and encourage enrollment.
Biology Club’s Participation
Bailey Mitchell, a senior majoring in biology and Spanish, noted how the club offered refreshments and merchandise. “We offered sodas, agua fresca, and stickers,” Mitchell explained. They also provided an interest sheet and shared details about their plans, including events like bingo nights and an overnight camping trip for club members.
Mitchell highlighted the significance of participating in First Friday, saying, “We didn’t participate last year, but this year we had a page and a half full of signups. It is one of the best ways to get freshmen to join our club.” This year, the club aims to engage newcomers, as their involvement is crucial for the sustainability of the organization.
Community Engagement
First Friday stood out as an essential event for fostering connections within the FMU community. Leigh Detalo, a sophomore industrial engineering major, expressed her appreciation for the welcoming environment. “I really enjoyed the atmosphere, music, and activities. FMU should host more events like First Friday to help the community interact,” Detalo remarked.
Suggestions for Future Events
Students shared their thoughts on enhancing future First Friday events. Detalo suggested, “Adding some water features and more food trucks could really help boost student turnout.” She noted that the warm weather made water attractions appealing, such as a water slide, along with a varied selection of food options to cater to diverse tastes.
Looking Ahead
The First Friday event provided an excellent opportunity for new and returning students to meet and enjoy the community. With the successful turnout and positive feedback, FMU’s Student Life organization is likely to continue organizing events that enrich student experiences on campus. For updates on upcoming activities, students can keep an eye on the event calendar available on the university’s website.
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
