Bobcats are back: OHIO welcomes new and returning students
A time of celebration and transition for incoming and returning students, Welcome Week kicks off an activity-filled fall semester.
Jennifer Cochran | September 1, 2021
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Neither scorching heat, nor pouring rain could stand in the way of OHIO Welcome Week festivities as new and returning students arrived on campus in preparation for fall semester. Students moved in before classes started and celebrated their arrival at a variety of events and activities including class photos, Party at Ping, comedy, concerts, and events organized by each college.
A time of celebration and transition for incoming and returning students, Welcome Week kicks off an activity-filled fall semester. As OHIO’s newest Bobcats arrived in Athens and settled into their residence halls, returning students whose first year at OHIO was impacted by COVID-19 also got to experience Welcome Week.
Assistant Dean of Students Chad Barnhardt said he was excited to see a great turnout of sophomores for events including the sophomore class photo and the Student Involvement Fair. “I was glad to see so many students out and about across campus,” Barnhardt said.
Party at Ping highlights included a visit from the Marching 110, inflatables, and a spirited Rock, Paper, Scissors challenge with students challenging President Hugh Sherman, Interim Dean of Students Patti McSteen, and Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Jenny Hall-Jones. On Sunday, Aug. 22, President Sherman hosted the annual President’s First Year Convocation at Peden Stadium. Despite a soaking rain, the Marching 110 kept spirits high as they led students up Richland Avenue to the College Green for the Involvement Fair.
“Our Bobcats did not let the rain stop them from enjoying the traditional march to the green for the Involvement Fair and we were happy the rain held off long enough for our returning students to take advantage of the fair,” said Josh Gruenke, associate director of student activities.
New Bobcats were excited to meet new people while checking out the Welcome Week activities.
Lauren Vernon, a first-year student in the College of Arts and Sciences, was grateful for the opportunity to build a sense of belonging by participating in Welcome Week.
“The events really helped me transition into college life as smoothly as possible and made me really excited for my future here,” Vernon said. “People are so incredibly welcoming. The kindness is palpable here on campus and I've made so many wonderful connections.”
“Ask a Bobcat” tents popped up at three campus locations. Students stopped by for first day of school photos while student leaders and OHIO staff gave directions and answered questions.
First-year Russ College of Engineering and Technology student Braden Lloyd enjoyed the Welcome Week festivities. “I have met so many new people through all the activities,” Lloyd said.
After attending the Scripps College of Communication welcome session and the Involvement Fair, Carter Shear said he was excited to be on campus getting to know people and learning more about life at OHIO. “I learned about a ton of new clubs and what they have to offer,” Shear said.
A student moves into a residence hall on South Green.
A student moves into a residence hall on West Green.
Ohio University President Hugh Sherman greets students at the First Year Student Convocation at Peden Stadium.
Students attempt to catch a Forever OHIO T-shirt that was launched into the crowd by Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Jenny Hall-Jones at the First Year Student Convocation.
Ohio University President Hugh Sherman speaks at the First Year Student Convocation at Peden Stadium.
Class of 2025 photo.
Class of 2024 photo.
Members of the Marching 110 perform in the rain at the Student Involvement Fair.
Students cheer on the Marching 110 at the Student Involvement Fair.
A member of the Plant Club holds a cactus during heavy rain at the Student Involvement Fair.
A Meteorology Club member takes cover from the rain at the Student Involvement Fair.
Students play spike ball, unphased by the rain, at the Student Involvement Fair.
Student organizations recruit first- and second-year students at the Student Involvement Fair on College Green.
Micah McCarey, director of the Ohio University LGBT Center, welcomes LGBTQ+ community members at the Athens Community Center.
Coco Montrose emcees a drag show for students on South Green.
Students react to a performer at a drag show on South Green.
A football player signs an autograph for a fan at a practice at Peden Stadium. Athletics opened practice to the public as part of Welcome Week.
Students enjoy a petting zoo on South Green.
Students perform at the Multicultural Expo at Ping.
Student performers pose for a photo at the Multicultural Expo at Ping.
Students hug at the Multicultural Expo at Ping.
A yoga instructor leads students through some seated stretches during Sunrise Yoga on West Green.
Rows of students practicing seated meditation during Sunrise Yoga on West Green.
Honors Tutorial College kicked off the year with a Party at Park Place, the new Academic Engagement Center located at 29 and 35 Park Place.
Honors Tutorial College students kick off the year with a Party at Park Place, the new Academic Engagement Center on campus.