CCS Kicks Off 2024-25 Academic Year with Annual All College
Students, faculty, and staff celebrate community, creativity, and the new school year
On Wednesday, September 25, the College of Creative Studies (CCS) launched the 2024-25 academic year with the annual CCS All College event. A long-standing CCS tradition, this event brings together new and returning students for a day of celebration, community, and creativity.
This year’s theme—sci-fi western—was chosen by students, with 200 casting their votes. The theme reveal came through a fun social media reel starring CCS Student Advisor Nick Washington, adding excitement to the event’s build-up.
On the morning of the event, the CCS Student Staff and Student Affairs team transformed the CCS front lawn with sci-fi western-themed cardboard architecture, aliens, and aluminum spaceships, complete with a tiny dangling cow. Adding to the out-of-this-world energy of the day, Interim Dean Timothy Sherwood welcomed everyone by highlighting the College’s unique creative spirit with an Ira Glass reference, noting "we are all here to create! What that actually means to each of us is different, but that does not mean we cannot be different together." Afterward, faculty members introduced themselves to the community, giving insights to their unique courses and research opportunities
"The All-College meeting is such a wonderful tradition of the college—a chance to welcome new and returning students alike back to the academic year".
—CCS Interim Dean Timothy Sherwood
Following the welcome, students gathered for the traditional college-wide class photo, then took part in the highly anticipated All College Costume Contest. The sci-fi western theme inspired space cowgirls, homemade cow costumes, and futuristic trench coats. Mark Zakharyan ‘27 (CCS Physics) took first place, winning CCS swag and a front spot in the lunch line.
One student shared their enthusiasm, saying, “The decorations were so cute! The little UFOs hanging from trees were my favorite (and also Dr. Latto's little hat was fantastic).” Another reflected on the community spirit: “I just liked how much of a community CCS is, and it really shined through during all the things we did during All College.”
“I just liked how much of a community CCS is, and it really shined through during all the things we did during All College.”
—CCS student
The event continued with a lunch of sandwiches and lemonade before the annual Rock-Paper-Scissors tournament kicked off. After a spirited competition, Nikhita Pal ‘28 (CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry) claimed the championship title. “I liked the Rock-Paper-Scissors game because besides one person (the one who wins), everyone has something in common: we all lost at Rock-Paper-Scissors,” a student commented.
The day concluded with major meetings, where students connected with faculty and peers in their respective fields of study, setting the tone for a productive year. “The major meeting was the most inspiring,” one student said. “But the lunch and college photo were a great moment to feel community within CCS.” Another student reflected on the creativity of their peers: “A person sitting behind me shared their capstone, which was about myths, mixing religious studies, visual art, and creative writing. It was inspiring to see what types of things I’ll be doing in a couple of years.”
Students praised CCS staff and faculty for their support and enthusiasm. “Thanks to the staff and faculty for being so helpful and friendly,” one student said. From the imaginative decor to the engaging activities, the All College event was a fantastic start to the academic year.
With CCS All College behind them, students have begun another year of creativity, exploration, and academic excellence. Welcome back, and here’s to an incredible 2024-25 academic year!
