PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Three weeks into its Fall 2021 semester, with near-universal COVID-19 vaccination on campus and positive test results in the single digits, Brown’s return to near normal operations after 18 months of pandemic-forced public health measures is as evident as ever.

Celebrations, student events, community-building, athletic competitions, outdoor gatherings, local food truck visits — many of which continued during the pandemic, albeit with modifications — are looking more and more like they did before COVID-19.

On Wednesday, Sept. 29, the third time was the charm for Brown staff members who gathered on the College Green for Staff Appreciation Day, which had been postponed two times due to inclement weather. Hosted by President Christina H. Paxson and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Barbara Chernow, the event was an opportunity for employees to reconnect for games, giveaways, snacks, drinks and entertainment.

Three days later, Paxson and other senior leaders from Brown welcomed students to a Saturday afternoon celebration of the new academic year. Students posed for selfies, enjoyed lawn games and music near the Van Wickle Gates on the Front Green, and sampled grab-and-go treats from local food trucks including Championship Melt, Del’s Lemonade, Gnarly Vines, JA Patty, Lotus Pepper, Poppy's Waffles and Supa Dupa.

Slideshow photos by Nick Dentamaro, Office of University Communications, and Carson Fowler, Class of 2023.