Welcoming Fall with the Reynolds Center for Graduate Life and Learning
On Oct. 23, the Thomas L. Reynolds Center for Graduate Life and Learning (CGLL) hosted its annual Fall Social, bringing graduate students together for an evening of community, connection and well-deserved leisure.
More than just a seasonal gathering, the CGLL serves as a vital campus hub that empowers graduate students through tailored professional development initiatives, wellness programming and peer support network events. By blending professional growth with casual, stress-relieving activities, the center ensures students build connections while maintaining balance throughout their academic journeys.
Following the festivities, several Graduate Life Fellows (GLFs) reflected on the evening and the memories they made:
Justine Exonam Amekoe – Ph.D. Student in Public Policy
I loved every bit of the Fall Social ’26, but what stood out to me most was how naturally the conversations flowed. As a Ph.D. student, I could always use a little reassurance about the journey, and the fortune-telling gave me just that! I found it fascinating how seriously we took the predictions. Between the laughter, games and conversations with people I had just met, I was reminded that networking doesn’t always have to feel formal or intimidating. It was a nice way to forget about my deadlines for a while and enjoy the evening. I’m glad CGLL makes room for moments like this.
Lindsay Ann Schlicker – Master of Social Work (MSW) Candidate
Bringing Bob, my emotional support skeleton of intellect, to help run the affirmation station was a highlight of the Fall Social! Watching graduate students light up as they received affirmations reminded me how powerful a few words of encouragement can be. Graduate school can feel isolating, so creating moments where students feel seen, supported and connected is meaningful. The Fall Social offered a welcoming space to laugh, connect and take a break from academic pressures. Events like these remind me that we’re not navigating graduate school alone; rather, we’re building a community together!
Ebenezer Boakye Yiadom – Ph.D. Student in Infrastructure and Environmental Systems
Having met some of my good friends at CGLL’s Fall 2025 welcome reception, I was excited to help create similar opportunities for others as a Graduate Life Fellow at the Fall 2026 Social. Hosting games brought me into conversations with new people and gave me a chance to reconnect with familiar faces. It also offered a welcome break from the stress of research. Sharing laughs and seeing students connect reminded me of how my own friendships began. I left feeling refreshed and grateful to help build a community that has meant so much to me.
