Augusta University embraces geek and pop culture with JagCon 

All across Augusta University’s Summerville Campus roamed characters from legends of old, movies and TV shows, graphic novels and mainstream media as the first-ever JagCon, a celebration of geek and pop culture, took place Friday, Sept. 6.

The all-day convention featured food trucks, video gaming, tabletop roleplaying games, fantastical Augustus minifigure painting, a live Dungeons and Dragons play-through, several panels such as why representation matters in geek culture and, lastly, a cosplay contest. 

While JagCon invited fans from various genres to explore their passions, it was most importantly a celebration of community. Joshua LaFavor, interim eSports coach and a data analyst for AU, organized the event as a welcoming space for AU’s diverse student population. 

“In the past, the term ‘geek’ or ‘nerd’ was used as an insult, but now it is a term used to describe specific subcultures related to different topics of interest like costumes or gaming,” said LaFavor. “This event was one way that the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs seeks to make students the No. 1 priority and embrace our very diverse and unique culture that spans into so many groups.”

The event’s prep committee, which included over 10 departments from around campus, provided activities and panels that were tailored not to just one or two groups within geek culture, but to a wide variety of different interests. 

Cameron Cunningham, a fourth-year student majoring in cybersecurity engineering through AU’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, helped with brainstorming partnerships, volunteering at the function and participating in the day’s events. 

Cunningham was particularly excited to paint an Augustus minifigure – a fan favorite 3D printed by the staff of the Garage, the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center‘s makerspace – and interact with the students. To her, it offered students a place to feel accepted and welcomed, along with providing a sense of community on a larger scale.  

“It made me happy to know that I helped create a space that gave students a place to feel comfortable and be themselves without fear of judgment,” said Cunningham. “I got to see so many smiles that day and people exclaiming how surprised yet happy they were to be a part of an event like this at AU.” 

Noah Bowers, a fourth-year student majoring in digital and visual storytelling through Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, also enjoyed volunteering and taking part in the festivities.  

“I most enjoyed meeting students who shared similar passions as me, such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons,” said Bowers. “I was able to sit down and play a nice game of magic with students I had never met before, and it really fostered a sense of community and belonging that I appreciated.” 

He hopes that other students were also able to cultivate that sense of belonging, whether it was bonding over a game of cards, creating some friendly competition over video games or painting an Augustus minifigure with a friend.

“Augusta University has such a welcoming community, and it was very heartening to see in person across the JagCon event,” said Bowers.

Trey Harrison, director of Campus Recreation, volunteered for the event and explained that Student Affairs is particularly excited to tap into geek and nerd culture. After the department relaunched eSports in 2023, Harrison explained that Student Affairs quickly realized that they connected with students in a new and exciting way, which was evident in JagCon attracting 450 students.   

“I had the opportunity to view every part of the event, and I saw students engaged and having fun at every turn,” said Harrison. “I look forward to seeing where this goes in 2025. I think many students who were there this year will want to be more invested and involved next year.” 

The sense of unity was specifically embodied during the cosplay contest when LaFavor reminded those in the audience how important it is to embrace Augusta University as home. He spoke on this topic upon introducing an AU student chant, where one person says “AU!” and the response is “You know!” 

Speaking directly to the students, LaFavor said, “When we talk about AU, what do you know? Students know that they matter here at Augusta University, they know that we care about their dreams and hopes. So, when you look around the room, this is Augusta University, and this is our family.”