On Sept. 4, WXOU held its annual Social @ the Circle – a block party that encourages on-campus students to participate in Welcome Week festivities. The event was stationed at the “circle” on campus – the area between Hamlin and Vandenberg Hall. The circle is the perfect location for students living on campus nearby, serving as a meeting place between different dorms.
Throughout the night, students could play lawn games, listen to the DJ and mingle with fellow students. WXOU volunteers also handed out snacks throughout the night, including popcorn and cotton candy.
“My favorite part of the event is the food, because I love cotton candy and popcorn and also the music. I’m having a good time,” Freshman Autumn Franc said.
Franc talked about the wide variety of people she had met that night and the importance of social events during Welcome Week.
“It gets people out of their shell. I talked to a bunch of people that I probably wouldn’t have talked to otherwise,” Franc said.
Events Director Joey Zieman organized the event. From its initial planning stages in the summer, seeing the event come together was a major accomplishment.
“This event was a while in the making throughout the summer, and we’re really proud of how the event turned out,” Zieman said. “’I’m very proud of how it’s turned out, as I’ve gotten many compliments about the event.”
For Zieman, the highlight of the event was seeing the lively dancing and social atmosphere of the night.
“Obviously, Social @ the Circle is a big dancey event, but I love seeing all the people, whether it’s a line dance or they’re just waving their flashlight,” Zieman said. “I think that’s a great part of the night.”
Zieman emphasized the importance of campus events providing a necessary balance between school and fun, contributing to a well-rounded college experience.
“It’s important to find some kind of social aspect of life. At school and college, you’re here for your classes, but some elements of these social events are great. You need a good balance between fun and work,” Zieman said.
Maya Kirksey, general manager of WXOU, had similar sentiments about the night.
“It’s a really, really good turnout. We’re really happy with it. We couldn’t have asked for better attendees,” Kirksey said.
Kirksey highlighted the importance of events like this for the OU community.
“It really gets commuters and on-campus students to come and see what we’re about. Our job is to give back and use some of your tuition money to give cool stuff to you. And so it’s a really good time, and we’re really happy to do it,” Kirksey said.
Kirksey also encouraged students to get involved with WXOU.
“The radio provides really good resources and connections for students who are looking to go into broadcasting. We show people how to do things that they never thought they would. Broadcasting, event planning, DJing – all the works,” Kirksey said.
Oakland University’s Welcome Week runs Sept. 2 through Sept. 13, so there’s still time to get involved with Welcome Week festivities. For more information about how to get involved on campus this semester, check out GrizzOrgs or the university’s events calendar.
For future events by WXOU, follow its Instagram and GrizzOrgs. WXOU has opportunities for student involvement, including DJing, volunteering at events and hosting live shows.
