[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MSU-staff.jpg” caption=”MSU staff enthusiastically joined in on the afternoon’s celebrations. (L to R) MSU president John Popham, Lauren MacKinlay, Coke representative, Ryan Moran, MSU VP administration, and Drew Mitchell, MSU VP finance.
Click here for FULL SIZE. Photo credit: Deborah McIvor”]While McMaster is gearing up for the start of the fall term, the senior management team recognizes we all need to take a break now and then. Thus, the annual ice cream social has become a much-anticipated opportunity to get outside and mingle with colleagues from across the University while munching on an ice-cold treat and enjoying the lively tunes of a local band.

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“It's always nice to see everyone come together to celebrate. McMaster is so big, but there's really a great sense of community across the whole campus. The summer social really shows that community,” says DeGroote School of Business communications officer, Julia Thomson.

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McMaster President Peter George and his assistant, Greta Hardy, enjoy a laugh with colleagues at the annual ice cream social. Photo: D. McIvor

This year, the fourth annual social was held yesterday in the Faculty Hollow, a natural, pleasant setting for staff to enjoy the music of the Dave Ptolemy Band and take a few minutes out to mingle on a warm August afternoon.

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McMaster special constables Chris Clement and Melanie Hayter enjoy a refreshing break from the 'McMaster beat'. Photo: D. McIvor

With summer quickly coming to a close, and the fall semester promising the return of bustle and excitement to the McMaster campus, the ice cream social is a great chance for staff to get outside to appreciate our beautiful campus and recognize the large community of people who really are the 'backbone' of our University.

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Charlotte Brown and Christine Kenny of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships enjoy a laugh as they attempt to eat their ice cream before it melts. Photo: D. McIvor

“It's great to see familiar faces in a relaxed setting, where it's possible to get to know folks from other areas of the University,” says humanities information assistant April Beresford. “I enjoy having the chance to find out more about who works where in the University. Everyone benefits from building strong social networks in the McMaster community, and this kind of event encourages that.”