Building Connections, One Game at a Time: College of Information Science Kicks Off New School Year with Inaugural Student Welcome Mixer
The photo stand and silly props were a big hit among students at the College of Information Science's first-ever Student Welcome Mixer.
The University of Arizona College of Information Science (InfoSci) started the school year with a bang, hosting its inaugural Student Welcome Mixer on September 13. Held in historic Bear Down Gym, the music-filled, Friday afternoon event drew more than 120 undergraduate and graduate students, plus faculty and staff, for an afternoon of fun, connection and community-building.
The student and faculty mixer featured a wide range of activities, from a dress-up photo booth—complete with props like feather boas, silly glasses and quote bubble signs—to games like cornhole and giant Jenga. Attendees also took part in a lively bingo card game designed to help students get to know one another. The bingo cards were filled with squares requiring the students to seek out others—"Visited another country," “Is wearing U of A colors,” and "Has a hidden talent," for instance—encouraging everyone to mix and mingle. Winners earned college-branded prizes like water bottles and stress balls, and more importantly, got to know their fellow students a little better.
The event was well-received by students. “The mixer was a great event that gave me a chance to make new friends and meet other students in my degree,” says Sterling Godwin, an Information Science and Arts major graduating in 2026. “It’s important to create a community with like-minded students, and the bingo card game made it easy to get around and talk to new people!”
Viswa Sushanth Karaturie, a computer science major with a minor in Information Science, Technology and the Arts, agrees: “Getting to know fellow students in such a fun setting was an amazing experience. It’s the perfect way to kick off the year!”
Students mixed and mingled over bingo and more at the inaugural InfoSci Student Welcome Mixer held in Bear Down Gym.
As the students enjoyed a Tucson tradition of frozen Eegee’s drinks served by the undergraduate advising team, the event’s true purpose came to life: fostering connection. “We know that for new students and even returning students, it isn’t always easy to find others to connect with,” says Sean Kramer-Lazer, director of undergraduate advising and student success. “It is our hope that through events like this, students can find new friends and create community. This sense of belonging is so important to the success of all students, and we are happy to be able to facilitate these important connections.”
InfoSci faculty were equally thrilled to see students come together in such an enthusiastic and engaging way. “As a new college, we have been working to enhance community-building and networking opportunities for our students,” says Cristian Román-Palacios, assistant professor and advisor for the Master’s in Data Science and Master’s in Information Science programs. “Along with cutting-edge training in data and library sciences, we aim to offer comprehensive support for our students through interactive events like this.”
Interim Dean Catherine Brooks highlighted the excitement and engagement that filled the room. “I loved everything about this event—from the great student turnout, to the advising team enthusiastically inviting students over for Eegee’s and chips, to Instructor Keith Rocci happily exclaiming, ‘You all really know how to throw a party!’ What I appreciated most, though, was the incredible energy from the students at our first-ever Student Welcome Mixer. We are here for them, and I’m thrilled that they not only showed up but stayed, building community right before our eyes.”
The welcome event proved particularly beneficial for international students, helping to bridge the gap that can sometimes make it challenging for them to connect with their peers in a completely new environment.
The overwhelming success of the mixer has ensured that it won’t be a one-time occurrence—the college has already scheduled the next Student Welcome Mixer for Friday, January 31, 2025, from 3:30-5 p.m. to kick off the Spring semester. Students, save the date!
With the perfect blend of games, laughter and meaningful conversation, the inaugural Student Welcome Mixer set the tone for a vibrant and connected academic year ahead.
Photo Gallery
Enjoy this photo gallery from the Student Welcome Mixer that showcases the fun-filled afternoon. Click an image to view in larger size and begin slideshow:
