Welcome or welcome back to NIU, Huskies! If you attended any of the Week of Welcome (WOW) events last week, I am sure that you had a lot of fun. Let’s take a moment to look back on the exciting week before diving head first into our studies.
Campfire Connections
Nights on campus kicked back off with Outdoor Adventures’ “Campfire Connections” event on Wednesday night. Usually at the West Lagoon, this event moved to the field behind Stevenson Towers next to the Convocation Center.
At the centerpiece of this event was the fire itself, which lit up the area. The event also provided two sets of the game Bags, snacks and drinks for all attendees.
Leena Clarke, a sophomore psychology student, was one of many Greek Life members that attended the event for recruitment purposes.
“I’m actually out here looking for potential new members for my sorority,” Clarke said.
But of course, many of us returning students can agree with Noah Whitlock, a sophomore chemistry student on what was the most fun thing about being there that night.
“Finally being back,” Whitlock said.
CAB Block Party
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) made their grand return for the year with their annual Block Party at Central Park. At this year’s event, there was food and drinks for students to enjoy, inflatables, a carnival ride, lawn games and a caricature artist.
Of course, the CAB Block Party’s infamous zipline was there. The zipline has become a popular attraction among students, which was indicated by the long line it continued to have throughout the night.
Welcome Holmes
One of the most popular WOW events, Welcome Holmes, happened late Saturday night at the Holmes Student Center.
NIU’s Circus Club was also in attendance making balloon art for students to take.
Members of NIU’s administration such as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Rachel Boldman, Vice President for Student Affairs Clint-Michael Reneau and NIU President Lisa Freeman attended the event as well.
“Having students back on campus provides an energy unlike anything else,” Reneau said. “Huskie nation is back.”
Reneau was also excited for students to find out what the event had to offer.
“Welcome Holmes provides so many options of different things for them to do,” Reneau said. “I think the fun will be just bouncing around, enjoying each other, building connection and trying all the multiple activities that we have.”
Reneau also had some advice for freshmen and transfer students for the upcoming year.
“Listen, no one ever gets there alone,” Reneau said, “Just know that A: Ask for help if you need it. Give help when you recognize that someone needs it, make friends, get out there, don’t be shy and try to make sure that you’re involving yourself in as many things as you can.”
President’s Picnic
Week of Welcome concluded with the President’s Picnic on Sunday at the East Lagoon. Tables lined the lawn in front of Davis Hall for attendees to sit while they enjoyed their food and any of the free drinks that Celsius and Bubbl’r were giving away at their tables.
Entertainment was also part of the event with music blaring across the lawn and students playing Bags and volleyball.
Many members of administration and faculty were in attendance, including Freeman and Laurie Elish-Piper, executive vice president and provost, who were both excited to have students back on campus.
“The students bring an incredible amount of life and energy and joy to this campus,” Freeman said. “Week of Welcome has been absolutely amazing.”
Elish-Piper added on, noting the significance of the first week of college.
“I think that’s such an important part of going to college. I think that’s such an important part of going to college is making new friends and building those lifelong relationships,” said Elish-Piper.
