The 2020-21 BGSU experience, in photos

A year ago, Bowling Green State University was faced with a decision universities across the country were weighing: how to safely navigate an in-person campus life experience during a global pandemic. BGSU leaders found a way forward early.

For the Fall 2020 semester, the University introduced Design My BGSU, an initiative that emphasized course flexibility with in-person/hybrid, remote, and online classes, giving students the opportunity to complete coursework in a variety of ways. In addition, the BGSU Covid-19 Response Team introduced new health and safety guidelines that allowed the University to introduce a series of new events and maintain the traditions that make the BGSU experience memorable.

Here are some of the moments of the 2020-21 BGSU experience, in photos.  

A BGSU welcome leader holds the door for a student moving into a residence hall in August during move-in. Students moved in over the course of several days before the start of the fall semester.

Two students have lunch together in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, a hub of campus. The Union underwent renovations this year and now features a new, larger Starbucks, redesigned computer labs and gathering spaces.

Students attend class in the Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center. The state-of-the-art building officially opened in the fall and is home to the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business. With exposed brick, natural light, a Starbucks and an open-concept floor plan, the building quickly became a student-favorite for studying during the 2020-21 academic year.

BGSU 2020 homecoming king and queen pose for a photo with the 2019 homecoming king and queen inside University Hall, from left to right, Estee Miller 2019 Queen, Audrey Schweers 2020 Queen, Dwayne Gary 2020 King, Coniyah McKinney 2019 King. BGSU will host in-person Homecoming Sept. 16 - 19, 2021.

A student works on her laptop on campus inside the Maurer Center. Students were able to take classes in-person and online, with the launch of Design My BGSU.

A musician with the BGSU Marching Band plays on campus. The marching band and spirit clubs were often spotted throughout campus performing and practicing outdoors.

A student holds a handwritten message during LGBTQ+ History Month. Students put flags around the BGSU letters in connection with the Office of Diversity and Belonging.

Freddie Falcon fist bumps a member of the women's hockey team, one of 35+ club sports that competed this year.

Students ice skate on campus at Winter Wonderland, a new event introduced this year that offered a variety of outdoor winter-themed activities, including ice skating, trolly rides and free hot cocoa, as student returned to campus following winter break.

Following a snowstorm in February, students hit sledding hills, a popular winter activity on campus.

Stefanie Delrosso is revealed as SICSIC's "Unicorn" character after three years of secrecy. Two members of SICSIC were unmasked at Prout Chapel in honor of the secret spirit group's history. And, for the first time ever, BGSU revealed the six students who have been secretly serving as Freddie and Frieda the same day. The SICSIC unmasking and mascot reveals are among the most storied traditions at BGSU.

Members of the BGSU volleyball team celebrate a win at Stroh Center during a historic run. After capturing the MAC Regular Season title and the MAC Tournament Championship, the Falcons competed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.

The Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle went green for the Shamrock Social, a new event for students to gather safely on St. Patrick's Day. Students could participate in a variety of activities, including screen printing, live music and free food.

The Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle went green for the Shamrock Social, a new event for students to gather safely on St. Patrick's Day. Students could participate in a variety of activities, including screen printing, live music and free food.

Students and mascots gathered on campus for fireworks to mark the start of the University's Senior Week celebration.

A Falcon celebrates receiving their diploma during Commencement. BGSU hosted six in-person commencement ceremonies for Spring 2021 graduates and 2020 alumni at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.

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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | mbratto@bgsu.edu | 419-372-6349

Updated: 05/24/2021 08:58PM