New tradition born with First Day of School Cake celebration
The first week of classes has never been so sweet.
In the first of several events Kennesaw State University has organized to welcome
students back to campus, President Pamela Whitten ushered in a new tradition with
the cutting of the First Day of School Cake. More than 1,500 students, faculty and
staff were treated to cake on both the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses, continuing
a family tradition President Whitten started with her eldest child about 25 years
ago.
“Years ago in my family, we decided the first day of school was cause for celebration, and no celebration is complete without a cake,” Whitten said. “The cake became such an important part of our lives that we thought it would be fun to continue at Kennesaw State, and I believe it will be one of many traditions we will bring.”
About noon on Monday, Whitten cut the first cake – a vanilla sheet cake covered in buttercream frosting – flanked by Scrappy the Owl and members of the KSU cheerleading team. A similarly decorated cake was served in Marietta along with several dozen cupcakes adorned with custom-designed KSU logos made out of white chocolate. The cakes were made with 60 pounds of butter, 240 pounds of sugar, 100 pounds of flour, 600 eggs and 10 gallons of milk. University Dining, led by Pastry Chef David Halbruner, created the confectionary over a three day period with four people working on the project, including one KSU culinary graduate.
After making opening remarks and serving the first slices, Whitten used the opportunity
to meet with students on each campus who gathered for the celebratory cake, wishing
them well as they embark on another semester.
In case you missed the cake, there are plenty of activities happening on campus to get free swag, make friends and experience all that KSU has to offer…
From First-Year Convocation to movie nights to Bazaar on the Bricks, the Kennesaw
and Marietta campuses will be chock-full of entertainment and activities to welcome
you to campus and get you back in the groove! Discover activities (and free swag!)
each day.
Be a true Owl and learn some facts about the great horned owl species. While you’re at it, take a moment to learn the fight song and alma mater. Then, make yourself truly official by signing the Owl Creed.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
