Welcome day highlights campus

Students laugh with each other by the radio station booth. Paula Farmer | Washtenaw Voice

Kristy Kazzi

Staff Writer

Washtenaw Community College’s Welcome Day drew students, departments, and organizations eager to connect and showcase the diverse offerings of the institution.

The event, held Wednesday, Jan. 17, saw participation from various entities, including the Leslie Science and Nature Center, photography groups, and multiple WCC departments.

One notable presence was the public safety department.

In discussing the department’s often-overlooked services, Officer Cameron Bauer emphasized his commitment to student safety. He highlighted initiatives like virtual walks designed to accompany students to their cars at night, and a text-based communication system with the public safety dispatch.

“Some students are criminal justice students, others just want to get some job experience,” Bauer said when asked what kinds of learners show interest in the Public Safety Department.

Reflecting on his choice to work at WCC, Officer Bauer mentioned the appeal of a smaller department and a personal recommendation from a familiar face.

He also expressed satisfaction with the working environment, saying, “It’s a great place to work.”

The Public Safety Department is actively hiring, and providing flexible part-time opportunities for students interested in gaining real-world job experience.

Bumpus showcased the writing center’s aim by actively supporting students not only academically, but professional and personal journeys.

“We really want to help students as best we can and that starts by making sure that students know we exist”, said Bumpus.

Bumpus loves her position, and said: “Seeing people grow and develop and get things, like watching people get that click moment, that ah-ha moment just makes me so happy and it’s so fulfilling”.

Rebecca Hullstrung, a student working at the photo lab, shared available opportunities for photography and videography enthusiasts. The photo lab allows students to borrow equipment for free, offers camera classes, and boasts a fully functional dark room.

Hullstrung, originally interested in genetics, found a unique blend of creativity and science in photography.

“I was going to go into genetics and I’ve always been very creative and so I liked the creativity that went into it, but also I liked the science and math part which comes along with camera use,” said Hullsrtung.