On August 29, two worlds collide to welcome students back with Chalk the Block, an event embracing students’ creative expression as well as providing an opportunity to connect with others.

Chalk the Block was put on by the departments of digital media and computing in hopes of easing the ‘back-to-school scaries,’ but more importantly to showcase a sense of community to the student body.

“Our major is part of the Academic Common Market Agreement, so we have students from different states nationwide that we want to have that sense of community and be comfortable expressing themselves creatively,” said creative administrator, Madison Warner.

Students were welcomed to the Brinkley Center starting at 4:30 pm for food, games, swag, and music held by the Department of Computing. Then just an hour later, over 100 participants got to work on their chalk art pieces displayed outside the Niswonger Digital Media Center. Participants had free range to draw as they pleased, as long as they had their sketches completed by sunset. Come sunset, three participants were awarded a first, second, and third place trophy with varying additional prizes as well as a consolation prize to all who participated- a button representing the digital media department.

Chalk art created during Chalk the Block event.(Contributed/lickinfaces Instagram)

The echoing noise of several mini conversations, tables with each seat filled, a food line running parallel to the ballroom wall, students determined to take down the other in cornhole, and cement blocks sketched and colored on all proved the success behind these two departments’ hard work. They even intend to continue their collaboration to develop academic programs in the future.

Feel free to check out these departments’ social media pages: @etsudigitalmedia and @etsu_computing.

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