JagCon unites heroes, villains and fans to celebrate pop culture

Heroes and villains took over Augusta University’s Summerville Campus as JagCon — AU’s popular culture and comic convention — returned to campus on Friday, Sept. 12. Students celebrated fandoms found in comic books and broader pop-culture entertainment, including movies, television series and video games. The day featured panels, trivia, workshops, vendors and food trucks, all leading up to the highly anticipated cosplay competition.

“JagCon creates a space where students from different backgrounds and interests can connect over shared passions,” said Tionna Thornton, coordinator for student involvement in Student Life and Engagement. “Whether someone is into anime, comics, gaming or simply wants to enjoy the atmosphere, the event sparked meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.”

Three female college students wear costumes during an event. — Students immersed themselves into popular culture through workshops like “Blerd Lines: Where Black Culture Meets Geek Culture,” K-Pop Bingo, a K-Pop dance workshop, AU Korean Club dance auditions and Augustus minifigure painting sessions. [Jamison Guice/Augusta University]

A male college student plays a video game with a controller. — Students immersed themselves into popular culture through workshops like “Blerd Lines: Where Black Culture Meets Geek Culture,” K-Pop Bingo, a K-Pop dance workshop, AU Korean Club dance auditions and Augustus minifigure painting sessions. [Jamison Guice/Augusta University]

In its second year, Student Life and Engagement expanded programming, student participation and partnerships with student organizations and local vendors with the end goal of having the day feel larger and more inclusive.

This year’s event included a strong emphasis on collaboration, with student organizations leading breakout sessions, including K-Pop Bingo, anime trivia and cosplay panels, while Vendor Alley inside the Jaguar Student Activities Center showcased local and student-owned businesses.

Jason Le, a first-year undergraduate student majoring in dental hygiene, was excited to attend this year’s event. A self-proclaimed nerd and avid PlayStation and PC gamer, he stopped by the JSAC Game Room to take part in the Esports Program’s free-play event with Smash Bros tournaments and Magic: The Gathering – Commander.

“A nerd or something that is nerdy is when you’re really into something, oddly so, and it doesn’t fit the norm,” said Le. “For today, I’m really excited to see a lot of the cosplays. A lot of people try really hard with their costumes, and it can look really good.”

One of those cosplayers was Ashley Daschbach, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in animation, who debuted his costume modeled after Xiao from “Genshin Impact,” an anime-style and action-based video game.

A college student dressed in cosplay holding a staff and mask. — Ashley Daschbach [Jamison Guice/Augusta University]

“I find the allure of being someone else for a time very alluring, like the whole methodology of hiding behind a mask and revealing oneself,” said Daschbach. “For anyone interested in coming to JagCon next year, you should. You’re going to be around a lot of nerds who tend to have a lot less shame about expressing their interests than others, so you’re not going to be embarrassed about being here.”

The day’s activities ultimately peaked Friday evening as students gathered in the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, where 14 contestants brought beloved characters to life in the cosplay competition.

At the end of the night, awards went to:

Best Closet Cosplay: Lucien Ullman, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in computer science, as Rosie from “Hazbin Hotel”

Best Craftsmanship: Laura Anne Ogden, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in history with a secondary teacher certification, as Darth Xerrin of Mandalore from the “Star Wars” franchise. Ogden 3D-printed costume armor using the Garage Makerspace. She purchased the armor files online, and the Garage Makerspace team took it from there by printing, helping to fuse the chest piece together and resizing certain parts.

Best in Show: Cam Mashak, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in digital and visual storytelling, as Breadhead from “The Gaslight District.”

College-aged students in line on a stage dressed in costumes for a cosplay contest. — The 14 students who competed in JagCon’s cosplay competition brought many characters to the stage, replicating outfits through items found in their closet or even creating them from scratch. [Michael Holahan/Augusta University]

Three college-aged students in line on a stage dressed in costumes celebrate winning awards during a cosplay contest. — The 14 students who competed in JagCon’s cosplay competition brought many characters to the stage, replicating outfits through items found in their closet or even creating them from scratch. [Michael Holahan/Augusta University]

Student Life and Engagement hopes JagCon becomes a signature AU tradition. Looking ahead, the event will incorporate more workshops, alumni and additional opportunities for students to showcase their passions and talents.

“Events like JagCon foster belonging, build tradition and give students opportunities to find their niche on campus,” said Thornton. “They also provide leadership and involvement opportunities while making AU feel vibrant and inclusive.”

Stay up to date with campus events by checking the AU Events Calendar.