Written by Bailey Wilson, Managing Editor.

Among the stately pines of Georgia, snow has fallen on Valdosta State University for the first time since 2018. 

A winter storm passed through on Tuesday, Jan. 21, covering Valdosta in a record-breaking four-inch layer of snow. The snow began at 7 p.m., but stopped briefly at 8 p.m. and became rain before returning to snow around 10:30 p.m. By 11 p.m., a half-inch layer had covered the ground, and students gathered outside to enjoy the rare sight. 

“The last time I saw it snow was eight years ago,” William Cone, a sophomore music education major, said. 

Hundreds of students celebrated by participating in snowball fights, creating snow angels, drawing popular memes in the snow and building snowmen across campus. 

At several points during the night, large-scale snowball fights broke out, especially in Converse Square, where dozens of participants would turn against each other in groups. 

Campus had an early closure on Jan. 21, and classes have been canceled for the duration of Wednesday, Jan. 22, and Thursday, Jan. 23. 

Some students felt that VSU was as ready for the inclement weather as it could have been, especially with the rarity of snow in the city. 

“I don’t think we could’ve been too prepared, but all things considered, [VSU] did a pretty good job,” Bruce Born, a freshman nursing major, said. 

Others cited a few issues with VSU’s procedures, most frequently the dining options closing early. 

“I think they could’ve kept Palms or Chick-Fil-A open, because it didn’t snow until late and they closed everything early,” Kenny Milord Jr., a freshman engineering major, said. 

Many students said that this was their first time seeing snow. Some said that they had seen it only a handful of times, while others had seen it frequently. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. 

“It’s been 14 years since I’ve seen snow, I’m going to enjoy it like I’ve never seen it before,” Carl Monts, a freshman mechanical engineering major, said. 

“I’m going to let out my inner child and just play in the snow,” Milord Jr. said. 

VSU’s Facebook had a brief incident after a post received backlash for its phrasing. The original post said, “We dreamed of a white campus. That dream came true.” Once posted, it garnered attention for sounding racially motivated rather than an updated quote from the movie “White Christmas.” 

“Who would’ve thought a post from vsu could be so dividing,” one user on YikYak said. 

“VSU READ THE ROOM,” another user said. 

In response to comments on Facebook, VSU officials responded to a comment saying, “Poor choice of words. We got too excited about the snow.” The post has since been updated to reflect the original intent.

Photos by Bailey Wilson.