Celebrate the new academic year during the President’s Picnic from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, in the Sid Richardson gym. All students, faculty, staff and families are invited. The first 200 students will get free T-shirts.

More than 30 vendors and student organizations will be at the event. The President’s Picnic will feature a picnic-style buffet and entertainment, including music and performances by the Ram cheerleaders and dancers. Sam the Magic Man, who recently won Best Close-Up Magic from the Texas Association of Magicians, will entertain picnic goers with his sleight-of-hand tricks and other illusions.

“I’m looking forward to the picnic celebration because it marks the beginning of a new school year,” President Frederick G. Slabach said. “We always enjoy welcoming our new and returning students and having the chance to bring everyone together as a Wesleyan family.”

For students, the picnic provides an opportunity to learn about all of the organizations on campus.

“There are so many ways for our students to get involved, and we encourage them to do that,” Slabach said. “It really enhances their college experience.”

Dates for the fall semester

• Classes begin on Aug. 21
• President’s Picnic on Aug. 22