Heath Peterson, from left, greets incoming Kansas University freshman Elise Sechler while her mother, Chris Sechler, is greeted by David Ochoa during the Jayhawk Generations Welcome Picnic. The event on Monday at the Adams Alumni Center on campus welcomed about 100 new and returning Jayhawks.

Future Kansas University students received a crash course in Jayhawk spirit and Alumni Association support on Monday.

A group of about 100 incoming students and family members from Lawrence and the surrounding areas gathered at the Adams Alumni Center for the Jayhawk Generations Welcome Picnic.

“We want to help students understand early on that the Alumni Association can be a resource for them and that they are part of a large community that spans across generations and is spread throughout the nation and the world,” said Jennifer Jackson Sanner, the Alumni Association’s senior vice president for communications. “The earlier we can send this message, the better off I think we all are.”

The picnic was the 30th of its kind taking place across the state and beyond Kansas to welcome students to the KU community. Future students practiced the alma mater and the Rock Chalk Chant.

Some of the incoming Jayhawks in the crowd were transfers, while others were returning students. Some awaited their first steps in college life.

Greg Wallace, 30, of Chicago, is returning to school to finish his undergraduate work.

“I feel confident and I’m hesitant at the same time,” he said.

Ryan Wing, 24, returns to Kansas after several years on the West Coast. Originally from Colby, Wing said he’s happy to return to Kansas.

“This is kind of my second go-round,” he said. “I’ve always kind of cliche-ly had a special place in my heart for KU, so I’m excited to finally, actually be a part of it.”

Sanner said the Alumni Association has focused on building ties and networks within the state in recent years, and such events are part of that effort.

The Alumni Association now has 16 state chapters and the goal is to expand that number to 20, Sanner said.