A popcorn machine, Apples the clown , ice cream treats and kangaroo bags filled Spartan Village's pavilion Sunday afternoon to welcome new and returning residents to the complex.
Community Director Kathy Forman planned the ice cream social to entice friendships among residents in the largest of MSU's university apartments.
"Our job is to make them feel like part of the community," Forman said.
The community includes a majority of graduate students with the remaining population almost split in half between families and undergraduates, Forman said.
Returning horticulture graduate student Sun Lingxia said she enjoys the quiet environment and variety of neighbors in the Harrison Road complex.
"It's like a big family here," she said.
Younger members of the Spartan Village family flocked to a booth offering free child identification kits.
MSU police officer Lorrie Bates administered the prints and also handed out information about registering bikes, documenting valuables and tips on communicating with police officers.
"Police are friendly, we're here as a resource," Bates said. "Come talk to us, that's what we're here for."
Other booths at the social included jewelry making and sidewalk chalk art.
Neighbors Ayesha Irfan, 11, and Bomee Lee, 12, were there for the treats and prizes. The girls have lived in Spartan Village for two years.
"I want to win something," Irfan said.
Each participant was given a ticket to win one of the donated prizes, which included Capital Area Transportation Authority 10-ride passes, NCG Theater passes, McDonald's extra value meal coupons, free tire rotations from Discount Tire, Meijer gift cards, as well as many children's games such as checkers and form fitters.
Spartan Village Community Peer Elif Celebi said events such as Sunday's are important in areas with a diverse population. Celebi, a counseling psychology doctorate student, also lives in the complex.
"It's great because I'm already in the community," Celebi said. "There are over 3,000 international students. It's really diverse. I'd never see myself anywhere else."
