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University greets fresh faces
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With about 5,000 first-time UA students on campus, it would be nearly impossible to shake each newcomer's hand. But by offering a week of pool parties, movies, campus tours, concerts and barbecues, the student-initiated Wildcat Welcome team seeks to get freshmen acquainted with the University of Arizona and stir up excitement about the coming year. "We wanted to start some sort of tradition before school starts," said Wildcat Welcome committee member Sharon Kha, assistant vice president of communications. "The whole idea is to give them something to do that is constructive, that will help them get to know the campus, that will entertain them and that will inform them of the traditions of the U of A." The student-run committee began rolling out the welcome wagon Thursday, drawing about 60 students to the volleyball courts north of Arizona-Sonora Residence Hall for an outdoor showing of "Revenge of the Nerds." Friday's activities included an orientation for freshmen and transfer students entering the physics department. In the evening, a back-to-school barbecue on the UA Mall for students and their parents featured the Pride of Arizona marching band and the UA cheerleaders. President Peter Likins and actors from Old Tucson studios introduced freshmen to university traditions with a skit. "I really enjoyed the barbecue," astronomy freshman Dereck Urbanowski said. "It was a great way to meet new people and I enjoyed listening to the band." Wildcat welcomers showed the movie "Grease" Saturday evening at the Student Recreation Center, and the night ended with block parties sponsored by the Residence Hall Association. "I think it is a great way to meet people," said Kate Schroll, a sociology freshman. Wildcat Welcome offered bus transportation to the Tucson Mall and Target Sunday for students to pick up last minute school supplies. Sunday night at Centennial Hall, Likins and Dean of Students Melissa Vito gave an official academic welcome to freshmen. Members of the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui Indian tribes also greeted students and acquainted them with a part of Tucson's cultural heritage. The Welcome will continue this week with open houses, concerts, movies, comedy acts and other activities. "I want to go to some of the events because I want to meet people and I want to get an idea of what the university is about," said Brandon Stech, a media arts freshman. Wildcat Welcome ends Friday at 6 p.m. with CATFEST on the UA Mall. Hosted by the Associated Students, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Office, Residence Hall Association and University Activities Board, the event will introduce students to UA traditions and show them how to get involved. Punk band Blink 182 will also give a free concert.
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