Every year, the incoming class forms the ‘Class of B’ photo. Here’s how we make it happen
Go behind the scenes of a fun Ƶ tradition
For the past nine years, incoming first-year students at Ƶ have been invited to form the “Class of B” logo as a fun way to kick off a new academic year. It’s a complex event that requires extensive planning and well-timed coordination.
This year, the “Class of B” photo will be taken Saturday, Aug. 15, at the campus recreation field next to Bearcats Track and Field Stadium near the East Gym. Afterward, students are invited to a New Student Kickoff event at the new East Gym expansion.
So, how does this iconic tradition come together? With a new location and format, we thought this would be a good year to take you behind the scenes.
How do we map it out?
The first step in mapping the layout is to draw a box on paper and mark every key point to scale used to form the “B” shape. Then, on the field, those key points are measured and marked with sandbags or other markers to guide the creation of the final outline with chalk paint. The entire process to map the “B” on the field takes approximately four hours.
How do we coordinate it with the students?
All new students are invited to join the “B” photo tradition by meeting with their residential community just before the event. This is their first official floor meeting! Then, each community walks to the “B” photo location. Campus organizers stagger the arrival times of each community to prevent all 3,000 students attending the “B” photo from arriving at once.
From there, it’s a funneling process, building the shape of the “B” starting from the outside and filling in the gaps. An 88-foot lift is used by the University photographer and to coordinate where students need to go. A drone used to take a time-lapse video of the entire process also helps organizers spot potential openings in the “B” shape where more students should be directed.
How do we decide who wears green or white?
The first group of roughly 400 students to arrive is given white T-shirts to create the white outline of the “B” logo. An organizer carrying a large Ƶ flag leads the march around to fill each of the lines until a crisp border is formed.
The remaining students are given green T-shirts, and the rest of the shape is filled in with as many students as possible until the logo is completed.
How many students form the ‘B?’
Participation in the “Class of B” photo varies each year, ranging from approximately 2,400 students to a high of around 3,200. This year, off-campus and transfer students are encouraged to participate.
How long does it take to form the ‘B?’
On average, it takes 42 minutes from start to finish.
What happens at the New Student Kickoff?
After the “Class of B” photo, Baxter will lead the way to the East Gym, where Binghamton-branded cups filled with sparkling cider will be available for a new student toast by President Anne D’Alleva. Food will be provided along with music, guided tours of the East Gym, and a half-court shootout competition.
The kickoff event’s goal is to serve as a bookend to the Senior Celebratory Sendoff and, more importantly, to help students build connections with their classmates and ensure every member of the incoming class feels proud to be a Bearcat!