By Elizabeth Condall
Pacer Welcome Week was open to all students and the majority of events were free. This semester, unlike previous years, has required students to scan their ID’s to get into the different buildings on campus.
“Breakfast with the President” was one of the first events to kick off the semester on Aug. 21. There were sandwiches and muffins being offered in the Flowe-Pressley Breezeway. Students were given the opportunity to connect with Lynn Morton, the new leader of the university.
Other events included “Cookies and Commuters,” where students who don’t live on campus were able to get to know one another and enjoy edible cookie dough. Pacers were able to make friends at “Speedfriending,” whose purpose was to ignite connection in an amiable setting. Students were also encouraged to register to vote in front of the Belk Courtyard.
Along with an ice cream social and an off campus kickback for the Village Green Apartments, one of the biggest events was Waterpalooza. The Student Government & Programming Association brought back its long standing tradition at WPU on Aug. 23 on the Bingham Lawn. Waterpalooza included water slides, a water balloon battle, a foam party, and custom WPU bucket hats. If students RSVP’d to the event they were entered into a drawing for a Stanley Water Jug.
Elise Langer, a biology major and sophomore, attended events like Juice with Joyner already.
“They’re all so fun, I look forward to PWW every year,” said Langer.
The heads and arms of students were almost completely submerged at the foam party. Langer also attended “Juice with Joyner” where Pacers drank juice and energy balls from Juice-Keys, a locally owned juice shop.
“It was all so good even though I think I had too much,” said Langer. For incoming students who are looking for a space they can feel comfortable, there are two socials that may be interesting.
The Student Life and GSA hosted a “Queer and Here” student social for the LGBTQIA+ community. The social had temporary tattoos, games, and snacks. Student Life and GSA wanted students to go show their pride or support. During the same week Student Life and BSA threw a “Vibe and Thrive” Black student social. “Vibe and Thrive” was supposed to give other fellow Black students the opportunity to meet members of the Black Student Union while making friends.
Purpose@Peace is another tradition for the university. On Sep. 9 at 1 p.m. students went to the Main and Aux Gym to talk to employers, find health resources, and explore majors.
Students were able to speak with faculty as well as inquire about volunteer opportunities and student organizations. Any Pacer who attended were eligible to win $100 in gift cards to the Seaboard Station shops.
Upcoming events and announcements
Student Involvement has opened their registration for the Pacer Leadership Program. The program runs for eight weeks and takes place every Monday from 4-6 p.m. The purpose of the program is to help students advance in their leadership journey and become a positive change on campus.
Pacers were invited to “Dining with Tiana,” a Disney princess themed movie night. The event began at 8 p.m. and lasted until 10 p.m. Students watched The Princess and the Frog on the Main lawn, got free beignets from Mr. A’s Beignet shop, and entered into a raffle at 9 p.m. for a gift basket.
A Cornhole Tournament will take place on Sep. 26. It will be on Bingham Lawn from 5-7 p.m. If it does rain it will be moved inside to the Aux Gym. SGPA is highly encouraging students to pre-register if there is a specific person they want on their team.
All upcoming events are on PacerEngage for any student who wants to register.