Numbers add up to large Campus Kickoff event

Though it’s 8:15 a.m. on his first day of being in charge of the annual Campus Kickoff at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Jacob Eck doesn’t seem to be too worried. It’s also the first day of classes, and Eck is responsible for the much-anticipated midday welcome back party on the Science Mall.

“It will be fun either way,” said PFW’s rookie assistant director of student life. “It will be a fun event for the students.”

And it really was, as the numbers prove. More than 700 meals were given away and 1,200 T-shirts were distributed, along with 600 bottles of water. There were also nine tents, five sets of cornhole games, four inflatables, and one awesome DJ. Everything was organized by Student Life and Student Activities Board members with help from more than 60 volunteers.

Newcomers mixed with upperclassmen, faculty, and staff. The vitality and energy on display Monday created lots of laughter and smiles, just as planned.

Director of Student Life James Velez has 13 years of welcome back events on his résumé, so he knows organization is mandatory. Over the past few years, the activities have expanded into a multiweek extravaganza requiring more than 250 volunteers representing dozens of campus organizations. Many of the efforts are led by Eck, Velez, and junior Sydney Coyne, the SAB’s signature events co-chair. 

For the next two or so weeks, Campus Kickoff activities are being offered almost every day and most nights. The process of ordering supplies began in early June, and the fun started at Student Housing with s’mores and a showing of “Monsters University” on Friday. About 300 students attended. 

But Monday saw the most action so far with food, prizes, contests, and giveaways — all designed to let students get reintroduced to campus and help them meet new and returning friends. The main job for Eck and Velez is helping everyone feel comfortable — whether they are freshmen, seniors, or grad students — and welcomed as a valued member of the PFW community.

“I think students are a lot more energetic right now, and they are a lot more open into joining activities,” said senior and SAB signature events co-chair Elizabeth Lassiter. “I think coming off of COVID, people seem to be a lot more excited and energized. There’s a good feeling.”

The recipe is simple: creating events that will last for a lifetime. That’s what Velez says he remembers about being a student here, and that’s why Campus Kickoff offers so much to do and try. Check out Don Dates or the Campus Kickoff page for plenty of options, including ziplining as part of the Sept. 7 Picnic on the Lawn.

“My philosophy is in 20 years as you are sitting around with your family and friends and you are reminiscing about college,” Velez said, “the hope is that you won’t necessarily remember the math class you took or the test you didn’t get 100 percent on, but you’ll remember ziplining down the Science Mall or going to the carnival or remember the Halloween event or going to Cedar Point your senior year. You’ll remember those things. It’s experiences which are the best memories.”

As for Eck, he’s already working on plans to grow those experiences bigger for next year.