College of Lake County uses free food to welcome students back to campus for new school year

College of Lake County students crowded the Grayslake campus' main lobby patio to grab free submarine sandwiches, pizza, and soda pop on the first day of classes.

It was all part of Welcome Week presented by the Student Life activities group that also offered a climbing wall, waxed hand sculptures, 101.9 The Mix radio station, Pace Bus and information from various campus organizations.

"We are welcoming students back from the summer," CLC Student Activities Assistant George Gonzaga said Monday. "I think it's good for students to feel welcome, have fun and be relaxed with all the stress of the first week."

Students chowed down on 84 mini subway sandwiches from Jersey Mikes within the first 10 minutes of the event. Some 250 pizza slices from Italian Ovens Pizzeria and 300 doughnut holes from Lovin Oven also were consumed throughout the lunch hours.

"It's pretty cool. It gives students time to bond with other students. The pizza was good, especially on the first day. The Pace card is real useful to me," said CLC student Marisa Lopez of Waukegan.

Pace Bus was offering Campus Connection passes on its Ventra cards for $175, allowing students to ride any Pace suburban bus during the fall semester.

Leaping Lizards Entertainment gave students a chance to immortalize their hands in wax, while Clowning Around Celebration Authority put up a climbing wall for people to test their skill.