On the night of Aug. 15, Residence Life and Registered Student Organizations worked together to create a Welcome Back Luau and RSO fair in the Rankin Livery to kick off the new school year. The Luau lasted from 7:30 p.m to 10 p.m. 

Residence Life chose a Hawaiian themed food selection that proved to be popular with students, as lines for food stretched all the way across the building. Juicy steak kabobs, grilled pineapple, and fresh coconut creme cupcakes were just a few of the delicious dining options. 

“My favorite part was all of the awesome food,” said Logan Swaim, a sophomore returning resident at Columbus State University.

There were several booths and tables set up around the perimeter of the room, consisting of various student organizations and themed activities hosted by ResLife, such as DIY leis and a custom flip flop station. 

“All the presentations and tables got sort of lost in the line of people waiting for the custom stuff. If there could’ve been somewhere else to shift the line, it would’ve been a little better. But overall, it was real nice,” Swaim said. 

The main event of the night was the Lanakilas Polynesian Show, consisting of dancers in traditional dress who performed beautiful, advanced dances, and even incorporated fire. The dancers were “amazing,” according to four different students who attended the show. 

Multiple attendees also mentioned that they loved how the dancers incorporated members of the audience into their routine because they could watch their friends attempt the  dance moves on stage. 

This was the second time ResLife has hosted a Welcome Back Luau, and it only seems to have improved.