Students welcomed with opportunities to connect with campus life

As students purchased the last of their books and packed away the final boxes in their dorm rooms, Student Life helped them get the semester started on the right foot with the makings of a successful first week back to school: some competition among friends; games in a normally quiet library; and, of course, a lot of good food. Following a successful move-in day, Student Life hosted its annual “Welcome Week,” Aug. 19-26, providing numerous opportunities for students, faculty and their families to connect with campus community as they gear up for a new semester.

“Welcome Week is always an exciting time to be on campus,” says Master of Divinity student Jen Sims. “Whether dodgeball, church fair, or a dinner, it is a chance to meet new people and maybe gain a study partner before the busyness of classes starts. Some of my best friends from seminary were introduced to me at Welcome Week events years ago. Students who have been on campus a while have the opportunity to calm the nerves of new students, and of course, what seminary student couldn’t use a free meal or two?”

Students kicked off the week with move-in day and a Tex-Mex meal Friday, Aug. 19, followed by the annual ice cream social Saturday night. Men’s and women’s dinners were hosted Monday, Aug. 22, for a time of fellowship and opportunities to hear from faculty.

“What I enjoyed most about the Women’s Dinner was the combination of three of my favorite things: fellowship, food and wisdom—wisdom for our new school year,” says Master of Arts student Brit Redfield. “I was overjoyed to see all of my sisters in Christ gathered together, discussing our excitement for the new year.”

Other activities included games of capture the flag, dodgeball and the second annual Library Palooza, which offered games such as mini golf and paper airplane throwing in Roberts Library. The week concluded with a block party and church fair wherein students could learn how to plug in to a local church.

Throughout the week, each event was held with the assistance of Student Life team members. Bachelor of Arts student and Student Life member Matthew Wilbanks says Welcome Week provides him multiple opportunities to meet new students while serving throughout the week.

“I personally am a behind-the-scenes worker, so being on Student Life is what I thrive in,” Wilbanks says. “I love to see people enjoying themselves, and knowing I’m a part of that makes me feel great. Making connections with the students to help them feel more comfortable here is something Student Life was created to do. I enjoy the little things we do in order for life here on campus to be the best it can be.”