Faculty and staff dog owners helped welcome first-year students during this past week’s “RUFF: Are You Feeling Friendly?” event in Rose Street Commons, an annual event organized by Counseling Services.

– Photos by Tia G. La, student photographer

Cole E. Gamber, an information technology: network specialist concentration major from Elizabethtown, easily makes a friend.

Krysten M. Miller (kneeling), a pre-surgical technology student smooches Molly, owned by Drew R. Potts (left), an instructor of civil engineering technology.

Curiosity isn’t just for cats, ya know! (Meet Lucky, the phenomenally photogenic friend of Bradley M. Webb, assistant dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies.)

Embodying the spirit of the event …

… students embrace their home away from home, with a little four-legged help.

Shelly Karschner with Bristol and Dover, Australian shepherds

Crissy L. McGinness, director of dining services, and her Goldendoodle named Roscoe

What are YOU lookin’ at?!??!

Students soak up collegiate camaraderie – and canine companionship – in the Rose Street Commons courtyard.

The Starkeys: Paul L., vice president for academic affairs/provost; Melissa and English bulldog Maggie

Poetry (and paws) in motion

Dining Services Manager Vicki K. Killian, with Bowie (her born-to-be-snuggled Goldendoodle)

A student shares a touching moment with Pixel, a bulldog owned by Zack T. Wooding, portal designer/developer.

Robert C. Karschner Jr., master mechanic for the college motorpool, in a show of affection and obedience

Roscoe finds a fan in Marceline Y. Salomon-Debrosse, a residence life coordinator.

Awed by a pooch’s high-flying agility

Finnigan, a border collie owned by Anthony J. Pace (right), director of student activities, gets acquainted.

A friendly face, to be sure