Welcome Week 2012
Welcome Week 2012 presented this incoming class of Honors students with an array of academic, team-building, and community service activities during two weeks of fine summer weather!
Students kicked off their welcome to Northeastern University with an ice cream social Wednesday evening August 29. Held in Krentzman Quad, students munched away to a menu of ice cream, slushies, and fried dough as they waited in line for Welcome Week t-shirts designed by Honors student Brook Hoger. With shirts and ice cream in hand, incoming Honors students mingled and socialized with fellow first-year students and upperclassmen.
The next morning, we gathered at Matthews Arena to listen to faculty panelists Prof. Wendy Smith of Biology, Prof. Serena Parekh McGushin of Philosophy and Religion, and Prof. John Coley of Psychology discuss this year’s First Pages book, Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder. At the conclusion of the panel, students gathered in small groups with discussion leaders throughout the college campus to talk about the book and how its lessons applied to the first year of their college education.
Students and staff trekked to Ashland, MA on a bright and sunny Friday morning for a daylong ropes course. We all took part in a variety of activities, including tight rope walking and “the ultimate game.” Amidst these team-building exercises and a healthy plate of barbecue, first-year students chatted away with their fellow classmates and forged new friendships.
After a welcome night of sleep, the Honors Program officially inducted this year’s class into the Honors community on Saturday, September 1. Students listened attentively to Associate Dean for Cultural and Residential Life Robert Jose, Prof. of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Faculty in Residence Rifat Sipahi, and Honors Ambassadors Sean Burns and Kelsey Meagher, who exhorted them to become transformative members of the campus and greater Boston communities.
On Tuesday, September 4, students had the delight of hearing the author of their First Pages book speak at Matthews Arena. Ann Patchett regaled us with tales of her writing method and her unique research experiences on the Amazon. She encouraged students to break out of their comfort zones and explore the rich world around them at Northeastern University and the greater Boston area.
Concluding Welcome Week, we explored the various neighborhoods of Boston through the Honors Outreach Project on September 8th. Students gathered at Blackman Auditorium in Ell Hall to hear Director of the Center of Community Services Kristen Doggett and Director of Haley House Kathe McKenna, who encouraged them to develop a sense of purpose and community engagement in Boston.
