Saint Xavier University (SXU) classes have officially begun, in an effort to create a welcoming community the school offered an abundance of activities throughout the week, known as Welcome Week, for students to participate in. Events were held between Thursday, August 17 and Thursday, August 31.
SXU prides itself on its eight core values: Respect, Excellence, Compassion, Service, Hospitality, Integrity, Diversity, and Learning for Life. For the week, that pride was showcased.
Welcome Week brought people from different races, religions, classes, sexual orientation, and more together. With news outlets running coverage of the recent protesting in Charlottesville, Virginia, SXU consisted of building a place where kindness trumps hate, in addition to strengthening our community.
The week began on Thursday, August 17 with Cougar Trax, a day in which new students could tour the school and even attend peer sessions with other students. On August 18, new residents could join in activities to get them familiarized with the campus and meet new people. The Residence Hall Association (RHA) held a welcome event on Saturday, August 19.
The evening of Sunday, August 20, was the first Sunday mass of the new school year.
Events were also held for those commuting to campus as Monday, August 21, was the Commuter Welcome Station, held in the Butler Reception Room, followed by late night bowling for all students. A Henna artist was brought in on Tuesday, August 22, where both plenty of new and returning students lined up, excitedly and waited roughly an hour for their temporary tattoos.
On Wednesday, August 23, the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Fair was held in the Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. Student Lounge and diner. The RSO Fair gave students a chance to check out many of the organizations that SXU offers, which then gives them a chance to be a part of something they are passionate about.
“The RSO Fair is one of my favorite events of the new school year. I love meeting new students who are excited about the organizations the school offers. It’s an incredible opportunity to give students information on our organization,” stated Secretary of the Psi Chi National Honor Society, Fadia Judeh
After the Fair, the fun continued as students were welcomed to join game night at Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon. The event brought current students and alumni together for a night of fun.
The fun didn’t end there. On Thursday, August 24, the Saint Xavier Council (SXC) will host Asian Summer Fest, which includes activities, food.
Thursday night ended with a bonfire at Schmitt Quad.
The night of Friday, August 25, Saint Xavier Council invited all students to the annual Foam Party, which was also at Schmitt Quad.
The rest of the week included a trip to Navy Pier on Saturday, August 26, Student Mass on Sunday, August 27, the Cubs Vs. the Pirates game on Monday, August 28, and a 2-Mile Glow Fun Run on the night of Tuesday, August 29. The week concludes on Thursday, August 31 when the SXU Cougars take on Marian University at Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field.
All the events that SXU offered during the week were more than just a chance for students to go out and enjoy themselves, but also gave them opportunities to connect with students and alumni from many walks of life.
Although Welcome Week has finished, SXU will continue to provide events for students and the community to come together all semester.
Shadia Judeh
News Editor
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