The turnout for Wednesday’s campus community barbecue showed how hungry students are for connection, said Mary-Ann Rennie, manager of special events for the Office of the President.

“We are so pleased to see so many people come out,” she said. “We served more than 1,000 people in the first half-hour.”

Third-year electrical engineering student Abdullah Mohieddin said the promotions helped him to appreciate that the event would welcome him.

“I like that they said there was a halal option and a vegetarian option,” he said. “It’s inclusive for everyone, which is nice.”

In addition to hamburgers, chips, and cotton candy, the event offered entertainment, swag, and a chance to see the Toldo Lancer Centre.

Julia Sabelli, a fourth-year computer science major, enjoyed the opportunity to meet new friends.

“I like community events,” she said as she shared a picnic table with a couple of schoolmates. “Everybody gets together — and the music is great!”