Sights and Sounds from Wildcat Welcome 2019

Wildcat Willie kicks off Ignite the Night at JWU

Wildcat Welcome week kicked off the first week of school with a bang. Through a series of over 20 events, JWU students, faculty and alumni came together to celebrate their Wildcat pride. Beginning with move-in weekend, the week’s highlights included Ignite the Night, laser tag, a zoo takeover and much more. Take a look back through our lenses at the moments we captured from the week.

Saturday: Move-in

Moving in

Unloading the Uhaul

Getting everything moved in

New and returning students were all smiles as they moved into residence halls in the Downcity and Harborside campuses. After a long day of hauling possessions and setting up rooms, families bid their Wildcats goodbye with hugs and a few tears.

Sunday: Ignite the Night

Celebrating Ignite the Night

Making Smores

Wildcats pose with Willie.

Wildcats pose with Willie.

Ignite the Night returned for the second year with a triumphant welcome for our new Wildcats. Students enjoyed s’mores, dancing with Wildcat Willie, and lawn games.

Monday: First Day of Classes

Walking across the campus green on the first day of classes

First day for Wildcats.

Welcome first day.

Welcome first day.

Welcome first day.

Monday brought the first day of classes — and many trips to Starbucks to help students ease into the swing of things.

Wednesday: Laser Tag

Laser Tag

Laser Tag game.

Laser Tag game.

The week wasn’t all work and no play — laser tag came to the Harborside campus on Wednesday night. Students showed their skills as they dodged laser beams and worked in teams to come out triumphant.

Thursday: Food Truck and Outdoor Movie Night

Wildcats during movie night.

Wildcats during movie night.

Wildcats during movie night.

The athletic fields transformed into an outdoor movie set on Thursday night for a special screening of Aladdin. Food trucks lined the path, offering movie snacks for the evening showing.

Friday: Student Involvement

Student involvment sign up.

Student involvment sign up.

Student involvment sign up.

Student involvment sign up.

Student involvment sign up.

The activities didn’t slow down on Friday. Involvement Fest took over Gaebe Commons, with over 100 clubs representing various interests, from politics to Greek life, academic to athletic. There is something for everyone!

Saturday: Zoo Takeover

Wildcats took over the Zoo.

Wildcats took over the Zoo.

Wildcats took over the Zoo.

On Saturday night, Wildcats took over the Roger Williams Zoo. From 5:30-9pm, JWU students had the place to themselves and wandered about the zoo, learning about the various animals on exhibit.