Appalachian State University students enjoy the new Sanford Mall campfire site Feb. 8. Pictured, from left to right, are senior supply chain management major Sonoma Dixon, of Cary; junior communication, public relations major Lucy Genda, of Charlotte; sophomore psychology major Hallie Lee, of Mebane; and sophomore biology major Natorri Thomas, of Huntersville. Dixon and Lee are among student workers in Plemmons Student Union employed to light and tend the fire. The campfire is lit daily as weather permits. Photo by Marie Freeman
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University students have been enjoying increased opportunities to gather warmly for outdoor, distanced socializing.
The university constructed a wood-burning campfire site on Sanford Mall this winter and added propane fire tables to Plemmons Student Union’s Howard’s Knob Patio.
In addition, Campus Dining offers “fireside fare” packages for sale at the University Bookstore market that feature marshmallows, s’mores items, hot dogs, and hot dog buns and condiments.
“We recognize that feelings of isolation, loneliness and anxiety can become heightened in the colder and darker months, and we are working on ways to facilitate the community connections our students need, while also following safety guidelines,” Chancellor Sheri Everts said.
The campfire site and fire tables “will allow students to gather … and enjoy the outdoors, while staying physically distanced, but socially connected,” she added.
The campfire is lit as weather permits, generally between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., said Jeff Cathey, director of the Department of Student Engagement and Leadership and interim assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. Student employees of Plemmons Student Union (PSU) have been trained to set up and light the campfire. The site can accommodate 10 chairs, which are supplied by PSU.
The Howard’s Knob Patio fire tables, which operate between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. as weather permits, are also tended by PSU student employees.
University units involved in building the Sanford Mall campfire site were Facilities Operations’ masonry shop, mechanical shop and landscaping crew.
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About Student Affairs at App State
Student Affairs at App State supports student success and well-being by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and engagement. Its mission is to develop lifelong learners and dynamic leaders through meaningful experiences that challenge and support students. Grounded in a commitment to care, engage and transform, Student Affairs creates a student-centered environment that encourages resilience, leadership, service and global learning. Student Affairs encompasses the following units: Campus Activities, Case Management, the Child Development Center, Community-Engaged Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of the Dean of Students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, Off-Campus Student Services, Plemmons Student Union, Student Conduct, M.S. Shook Student Health Service, Student Legal Services, Student Veteran Services, University Recreation, and Wellness and Prevention Services. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
