By Curtis Creekmore
More than 1,500 students and staff showed up last weekend as the University of Louisville opened its arms to welcome students for the start of a new semester.
Both new and returning students attended the annual festival called Welcome Weekend. The celebration got a slight makeover this year with the addition of new events, but the overall purpose of the weekend stayed the same.
Administrators began the program in 2001 as a way to familiarize the freshman class with the ways of campus and college life.
“Since orientation sessions were moved from July to June, we thought students would forget everything about the campus,” said Desirée Anderson, a Welcome Weekend intern. “These events just give the students a chance to acclimate themselves again socially and academically with the campus.”
Students seemed to enjoy the social gatherings and free food. Freshman Brittany Zimmerman said she was having a great time.
“I knew very few people when I got here, but I like everyone I’ve met,” she said.
The focus of each event is to get students involved. Coming into a new atmosphere can be a scary experience for students, so Welcome Weekend tries to help students transition into the new environment. Not only do the events give students a chance to socialize, they also give the university staff a chance to get to know all the new faces. “We really just want the students to feel welcomed here and feel like the staff cares,” Anderson said.
This year’s program included many events that have become student favorites at Welcome Weekend: The Opening Ceremony, Welcome Picnic and Baptist Student Union’s Pancake Brunch.
The Night on the Town was added to the celebration this year as a chance for new students to become familiar with the downtown area. The Transit Authority of the River City, Louisville’s public bus system, offered U of L students free rides to and from Fourth Street Live where they received discounts at stores and restaurants.
Another Welcome Weekend favorite was Understanding Diversity. The yearly workshop led by Al Herring, executive director of the Ali Institute for Peace and Justice, was held Saturday morning. Herring focused on topics which promoted togetherness and acceptance of others. His speech gave insight into the diversity of college life, providing tips on how students can deal with problems and issues that may arise.
The Cards Under the Stars Rooftop Party shook the foundation of the Floyd Street Garage on Friday night as students munched on free snow cones and tacos and prepared to dance. A full moon lit the dance floor at 10 p.m. when the lights went out to set the mood for a literally “hot” night of dancing.
The events may be directed toward the freshman class, but all students were welcome to attend. Clarissa Allen, a second-year student, joined in the action.
“I’m having a good time,” she said. “It seems like I’ve met more people in the last week than I did all of last year.”
The staff that worked the events had a great time as well. Bill Brammell, SGA president, worked at several tables over the weekend.
“We’re getting a lot done. We’re just trying to get students involved. I’m really excited to be back on campus and anxious to get involved in events,” he said.
