A copper wolf surrounded by trees with vibrant fall colors.

Look Back on the Fall 2022 Semester

Bundle up, Wolfpack. We're taking a brisk walk through the biggest moments of NC State's academic year so far.

November 30, 2022 Alex Fulton 6-min. read

Autumn is winding down, the last lingering leaves are dropping and we’re quickly approaching the halfway point of the academic year. Wolfpack, you’ve amazed us already — and we can’t wait to see what’s in store next.

Before you finish your final exams and bid farewell to 2022, let’s reflect on the last four months spent together in our favorite place.

Bright orange autumnal leaves against a blue sky.

A student passes through a lush corner of campus on a fall afternoon.

Near the Belltower, leaves begin to change color for the season.

We Welcomed You Back to Campus

Aug. 18-27: After a sleepy summer, new and returning students headed to our Raleigh home to fill campus with activity once again.

We kicked off the fresh academic year with our annual back-to-school bash, Wolfpack Welcome Week. Festivities included 100-plus events and the comeback of Packapalooza, our daylong street festival, after a two-year hiatus.

What’s more, we said hello to the largest and most diverse incoming class in our university’s history. They represent 98 North Carolina counties, 43 U.S. states and 41 countries. (In case you missed it, we profiled five newcomers about their hopes for the journey ahead.)

As #NCState26 settles into campus, get to know a few first-year students and their reasons for choosing NC State. 🐺 https://t.co/qY6ZocGW3K pic.twitter.com/KR61gwG3rQ

— NC State University (@NCState) September 29, 2022

We Honored Our Diverse Pack

The strength of NC State is its people, and we found plentiful opportunities to honor our Pack’s diverse perspectives and experiences this semester.

NC State’s campus community centers led monthlong programming to inform, support and expand the horizons of our student body. The GLBT Center organized events for LGBTQ+ History Month (Oct. 1-31), the Women’s Center organized events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Oct. 1-31), and Multicultural Student Affairs organized events for Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) and Native American Heritage Month (Nov. 1-30).

A crowd of students, staff and community members parade through campus during the Pride Walk event. — **Watch**: On Oct. 3, members and allies of the campus LGBTQ+ community honored National Coming Out Day and kicked off Pride Month with NC State’s second annual Pride Walk. Watch the Wolfpack walk through campus in a celebration of identity, strength and community.

We Reunited for Red and White Week

Oct. 30 to Nov. 5: During our annual homecoming extravaganza, Red and White Week, we invited students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to celebrate NC State and all the people who make it special.

Cheerleaders lead the crowd in singing the alma mater during a Red and White Week event. — **Watch:** Ahead of homecoming, we reflected on the moments and memories that make NC State feel like home.

These fan-favorite events helped us kindle pride for the Pack all week long.

Chancellor’s Fall Address

Oct. 31: Live from the atrium of Talley Student Union, Chancellor Randy Woodson delivered his “state of NC State” speech and shared bold plans for the future.

Watch the address

Students, faculty, and staff all enjoy the Chancellor's remarks at the annual Fall Address at the Talley Student Union.

Pack Appreciation Day

Nov. 2: More than 2,500 students gathered across Stafford Commons, Centennial Campus and Centennial Biomedical Campus to craft messages of appreciation for the supporters who help power our university.

Students hold up their wolfies and a sign that says "We Appreciate You!" at the Corner space on Centennial Campus.

A student sits next to Ms. Wuf while writing a thank-you card.

NC-SYNC

Nov. 3: Student groups performed Disney-themed mashup songs — and engaged in some friendly competition — during a lip-syncing contest on Stafford Commons.

Harambee!

Nov. 4: The African American Cultural Center took to Harris Field for its annual block party and showcase, Harambee, which featured food, music, games and fellowship.

Students visit a local vendor at an outdoor market during Harambee.

Homecoming Game

Nov. 5: Red and White Week’s grand finale did not disappoint. You painted Carter-Finley Stadium red, and our Wolfpack scored a victory against Wake Forest. Plus, we announced this year’s Leader of the Pack, electrical engineering major and Goodnight Scholar Minh-Thu Dinh.

Minh-Thu Dinh stands with family on the football field during halftime to accept the Leader of the Pack award.

PackHowl

Nov. 10: The University Activities Board hosted its annual hip-hop concert, PackHowl. You may have spotted a few classmates on stage — 47 Eyez On Me, a music collective featuring several NC State students, opened for headliner Waka Flocka Flame in the group’s biggest gig to date.

A crowd of students raise their wolfies during a performance at PackHowl.

A student performs on stage during PackHowl.

Our (Award-Winning) Ginkgo Tree Changed Colors

It’s official: NC State is home to the best tree in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our Ginkgo biloba with a cult following — situated outside of Park Shops and lovingly dubbed “The Tree” — won the title in a landslide earlier this year. Now, its stunning fall transformation is underway and it’s clearly showing off for the fans.

A popular Ginkgo biloba tree on NC State's campus, with a plaque nearby announcing its title as "Tree of the Year" for 2022. — Between Park Shops and Page Hall, you’ll find the City of Raleigh’s Tree of the Year for 2022. It’s kind of a big deal.

With vibrant yellow leaves, "The Tree" stands out against the brick buildings it surrounds. — And for good reason. Counting down the days until its vibrant golden leaves arrive has become an autumnal tradition.

We Got Into the Holiday Spirit

We’re grateful for you all the time, but the season of thanks makes us feel extra warm and fuzzy. This year’s celebration included two of our favorite things: scholarship and service.

Nov. 15: The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences shared which holiday comfort foods are made in North Carolina. Turkey, ham, sweetpotatoes — all the VIPs made the list.
Nov. 20-27: Who says rivals can’t team up? We competed against UNC-Chapel Hill in the second annual Pantry Bowl to see which university could rack up the most gifts for its campus food pantry. You led NC State to its second win against the Tar Heels that week, and our universities collectively raised nearly $150,000.
Nov. 21: NC State was selected as the home for the National Thanksgiving Turkey — and his wingman — following the birds’ trip to the White House. Glad to have you in the Pack, Chocolate and Chip!

On Monday, the @natlturkeyfed presented Chocolate and Chip to Pres. Biden at the White House National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. 🦃 They’ll now live out their days at @ncstatecals under the expert care of university poultry specialists.

Read more: https://t.co/nYFENhTbJU pic.twitter.com/vGOwclw7dc

— NC State University (@NCState) November 23, 2022

Other Campus Happenings

New campus spaces, new university rankings, new (and questionable) state fair foods. Find out what else our students experienced this semester.

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Sept. 12: NC State achieved its highest ranking ever on U.S. News and World Report‘s annual Best Colleges list, joining the ranks of the top 30 public universities in the nation.
Sept. 24: Reagan Griffin, a second-year student in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and her family were presented the Family of the Year Award at the NC State vs. UConn football game.
Sept. 28: Undergraduate researchers illustrated their insights at the Sidewalk Symposium.
Sept. 29: The Corner opened on Centennial Campus. The open-air space is a social hub for students, staff, faculty, partners and the wider Raleigh community.
Oct. 17: During the Greek Awards, Fraternity and Sorority Life recognized some of the university’s most outstanding Greek chapters and the leaders within them.
Oct. 17-21: We celebrated our #TransferPack, their experiences and their stories during Transfer Student Appreciation Week.
Oct. 13-23: All around the North Carolina State Fair, you’ll find the fruits of NC State research and outreach. (But maybe you’re just there for fried foods. That’s okay, too.)
Oct. 31: Even the Strolling Professor got into the Halloween spirit.
Nov. 8: We joined a national celebration to honor and recognize our first-generation college students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Nov. 11: On Veterans Day, Jeffrey Wright Military and Veterans Services held a special ceremony for our military-affiliated community in Reynolds Coliseum.

Want to keep up with NC State all year long? Find us on Instagram for the latest updates.

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