Campbell revs up for Welcome Week

Buies Creek, N.C.-New and returning students are expected to converge on the Campbell University campus for Welcome Week, August 15-22. With an exciting line-up of events, Student Activities Director Chris O’Connor promises Campbell won’t disappoint.

“Welcome Week is a week full of opportunities for students to get out, meet new people and discover what Campbell has to offer,” said O’Connor. “There is something going on every day, and we hope to see all of the students there.”

Some highlights of the week begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, when new students move into their residence halls. A delicious dinner and official welcome are set for 5 p.m. in the Gilbert Craig Gore Arena of the new John W. Pope Convocation Center. Later, students can rock the night away at a Block Party getting underway at 6:30 p.m. on the Academic Circle. The Block Party features a D.J. and games.

On Sunday, August 16th, a worship service for incoming freshmen is planned in the recently completed Robert and Anna Gardner Butler Chapel. The chapel’s gothic design enhanced by rich, natural woods makes it one of the most inspiring buildings on campus. The service is not mandatory and seating space is limited. Later that evening, students can chill out at an ice cream party and Bingo session at Marshbanks Dining Hall.

Monday, August 17, marks an important date-new student registration at 9 a.m. Later on, students are invited to dine with faculty and administration at the President’s Picnic on the Academic Circle. At 9 p.m. they won’t want to miss a “Black Light” dance in Ellis Theatre in the Taylor Bott Rogers Fine Arts Center. The lighting will be strictly fluorescent, O’Connor said.

On Friday, August 18, students can line up for a variety of free promotional items, including coupons, samples and other materials, offered by area businesses at the campus Street Fair at 4 p.m. Highlighted by free rides on a real camel, games, a climbing wall and inflatables-the fair promises something for everyone. Capping off the evening is a special showing of the movie “Mall Cop” in Turner Auditorium.

Mud volleyball, Celebrity Karaoke and a concert by rock musician Ryan Star are just some of the activities planned for Welcome Week weekend. Star opened for American Idol David Cook’s concert at Campbell last spring. O’Connor is bringing him back by popular demand, he said.

Classes begin on August 19, but the fun is scheduled all week long.

“We are excited about the return of our upper classmen and the arrival of the class of 2013!” said O’Connor. “We believe Welcome Week will really demonstrate that.”

Photo Copy: Roy McCoy, inside bulldozer, and Leon McNair, of the Physical Plant, get the pit ready for Mud Volleyball, one of the activities scheduled for Welcome Week, August 15-22.