Nothing attracts a crowd of students like food. As Mizzou's 2016 fall semester gets underway, Tigers are gathering around grills, bonding over burgers and connecting at the condiments table. Back-to-school events have been organized by and designed for Mizzou groups serving military veterans, black students, new students, Jewish students, night owls, Asian American students, LGBTQ students, Latinx students — every kind of student. Each event is open and welcoming to Tigers of all stripes, and most promise games, music and dancing with dinner. What better way to make new friends?
Here's a look at just a few fall 2016 picnic highlights.
Mizzou Asian American Association Kickoff BBQ
Lee Hyuk Jin grills burgers at the Mizzou Asian American Association's barbecue, one of several celebratory events marking AAA week. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Andrew Pham takes a turn at the grill. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Nola Tran serves hot dogs. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Alyssa Ferrera and Huong Truong chat over a meal. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Students wait in line for food hot off the grill. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Midnight BBQ
Students pack Rollins Street for the 20th annual Midnight BBQ, a Fall Welcome tradition featuring food, games and revelry. Photo by Mikala Compton
Tigers attending the Midnight BBQ take turns visiting the photo booth. Photo by Mikala Compton
The crowd cheers. Photo by Mikala Compton
Students pose for photos with Truman. Photo by Mikala Compton
Welcome Black BBQ
The Legion of Black Collegians sponsored the 2016 Welcome Black BBQ outside the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Tigers show off some dance moves at the barbecue. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Zereque Powell, Donovan Patterson and Greg Rieves find a spot to eat and socialize outside the Black Culture Center. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Tigers serve picnic fare such as burgers, hot dogs, beans, and macaroni and cheese. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Partygoers make a stop at the condiments table. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Students wait in line for food. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Cathy Scroggs, Mizzou's vice chancellor for student affairs, chats with students at the Welcome Black BBQ. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
DJ Tiffany R. Ellis spins some tunes. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Students line dance after their meal. Photo by Morgan Lieberman
Mizzou After Dark
Lefatshe Lefatshe laughs after being pulled down by the bungee run while racing his friend, Thomas Sparkman, at Mizzou After Dark's Up All Night welcome back event. The object of the game is to race a friend to the end of the ride. Photo by Mikala Compton
Spencer Mroz grabs a plate of free pizza served by Mizzou After Dark workers. Photo by Mikala Compton
Students wear headphones and dance to the music synced up to them at the silent disco at Mizzou After Dark's welcome back event. Photo by Mikala Compton
Students play mini-golf in the middle of the MU Student Center. Photo by Mikala Compton
Rachael Puleo paints crafts with friends at Mizzou After Dark's welcome back event. Photo by Mikala Compton
Veterans BBQ
Sheldon looks around as his owner, Elizabeth Picray, socializes at the Student Veteran Welcome BBQ. Sheldon is a rescue dog Picray adopted two years ago. Photo by Mikala Compton
Steven Gibson, an Army veteran, laughs as he prepares to take a swing at the golf ball during the veterans barbecue. Photo by Mikala Compton
Mizzou veterans and friends chat at the welcome barbecue held at Al Gustin Golf Course. Photo by Mikala Compton
More Food and Fun!
Fall Fest
4-7 p.m. Sept. 7 at MizzouRec
Truman's 30th Birthday Party
10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 9 in the MU Student Center
International Welcome Party
7-11 p.m. Sept. 9 in the MU Student Center
