William Copeland, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, wkc6@psu.edu
Student Affairs began the fall semester here at Penn State Brandywine with a jam-packed Week of Welcome (WOW) that included many events for students, including a game show, scavenger hunt, yoga, and much more.
Each weekday, beginning on August 18, different events held across campus started the school year in a fun and exciting way! The events featured giveaways, PSU swag, and cash prizes. A perk of WOW was that everything was free for students!
On Friday August 18, after the convocation ceremony, a Hawaiian-themed party for incoming freshmen was held in Tomezsko and the brand-new Student Union. This event included an interactive performance based on the premise that hate that is present in society can be countered with a clear goal to promote acceptance and love.
The performance was followed by the Bookstore Blowout where the bookstore staff was helping students secure their textbooks, while distributing free Clif Bars and coupons for school supplies. Free planners, water bottles, and candy were also given out.
Next, students were invited to Tomezsko for the party which featured yard games on the patio, and inside, a DJ known as “Crazy Bob,” who held a trivia game show in which students could win up to $50. There was also a free dinner for the attendees!
The first day of classes, also meant the official start of the full Week of Welcome! On Monday, August 21, the WOW events really took flight. Outside of the Student Union, students were invited to come listen to live music from, “My Hero Zero,” as well as grab some ice cream. The ice cream bar featured Penn State Creamery ice cream!
Also on Monday, an astronomical WOW event literally overshadowed the first day of classes, a total solar eclipse. The science department set up telescopes and pinhole viewers at the gazebo for students to view the eclipse. Professors brought their students out to view this event before getting back to the classroom.
On Tuesday, a trivia gameshow hosted by the company ThinkFast, was held in the Lion’s Den Commons. Prior to the gameshow, students were given free t-shirts representing their majors. ThinkFast used music, pop culture, sports, and Penn State trivia questions. The grand prize for the winning team was $200!
The leader of the winning team, Thomas England, said, “I would love to see more events like the gameshow held on campus.” The gameshow was a hit among all who attended, even those who just wanted the free t-shirt.
On Wednesday, President Barron and other officials, came to Brandywine from University Park for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Orchard Hall. (See ribbon-cutting dedication photo elsewhere in this issue.)
On Thursday, “Get Flexible” was held on the patio and lawn of Main. On the lawn, students eased into the school year with various yoga poses and meditation. The event also featured free giveaways such as stress balls, snacks, water bottles and wire art designs!
Bridget O’Donnell, assistant director of student activities, said, “I think the wire art during the get flexible event on Thursday was a big hit.”
The week wrapped up on Friday with the Student Affairs Open House. The open house offered light refreshments such as brownies and cake. Free I.D. holders and sunglasses were also distributed to those who attended.
At the Open House, scavenger hunt papers were collected! A week-long Scavenger Hunt encouraged students to learn the nooks and crannies of campus for a chance to be entered into a grand prize drawing.
The Week of Welcome brought students out in droves. WOW, is just one of the events students can look forward to from student affairs personnel, Ronika Money-Adams Bridget O’Donnell, Gary Miller, in coordination with residence life staff, Don Brennan and Tiana Peña Colón.