By Eiman Zuberi–

New, returning and transfer students had the opportunity to meet with acting President Neville Pinto at two ice cream socials on Aug. 30.

The back-to-back socials in front of Miller Hall and in the SRC catered free Comfy Cow ice cream and provided a chance to meet with Pinto and several U of L deans.

Pinto recently became interim president after former president James Ramsey resigned. 

“This [event] is to welcome our students. We want them to feel like this is their home. We care about our students and we want them to succeed. So I want to meet as many of them as I can,” Pinto said.

When asked about his new role as acting president, Pinto said a lot of things were new to him, but he is excited.

“ I get to meet so many more people at the university. That makes it a really terrific job. A lot of people are counting on me and I want to do my best,” Pinto said.

“We are going through a transition here at the university, but things are looking good. When you see the quality of students who are coming in, all of that is fabulous. This university will endure through these times and do well and continue educating students. And our faculty will continue to be productive in their work as well,” Pinto said.

Nursing Dean Marcia Hern came out to meet some of her prospective students.

“I wanted to be here and avail myself to them and answer some questions about our programs,” Hern said.

Around 6 p.m., the crowd of students snaked around the Miller Quad. Pinto took time to speak to students and posed for pictures. Senior Nancy Adane achieved a goal of meeting Pinto.

“I came to the ice cream social to meet the president. He was a very nice guy,” Adane said. “He obviously cares about the university.”

Sophomore Cheyenne Brown said she is excited about the school year after speaking to Pinto. “I thought he was really cool, really nice and think he will do a lot for the school,” Brown said.

Sophomore Lucas Dick worked the event and took advantage of the chance to speak to Pinto. He shared similar high regard to Pinto.

“He is super friendly. You can definitely tell that he cares a lot about the students,” said Dick. “I feel like he is going to be a president that gets highly involved with his students.”

Photos by Ali Davis / The Louisville Cardinal