An estimated 21,000 students either returned to campus or started at California State University, Fresno on Monday, Aug. 23, as the university started its 100th year.

As classes continue, the milestone will be marked with numerous Centennial events designed to connect alumni and the entire community with the campus. The celebration concludes May 21, 2011 with Fresno State’s 100th Commencement.

But Monday was a busy one on campus complicated a bit by problems with the student web portal, through which class schedules are accessed, and the usual congestion on campus-area streets, in parking lots, at the Kennel Bookstore and at campus restaurants.

To help make things easier, volunteers with the WAG Pack (for Welcome and Guidance) set up booths to answer questions and help direct students to their classes.

The first day began before dawn as grounds and janitorial staffers made final preparations to buildings, landscaping and walkways and Fresno’s NBC TV affiliate, KSEE-24, staged segments of its “KSEE Sunrise” in the bookstore.