Tons of social events highlight semester’s opening two weeks

A fantastic way to get into the groove on the campus of Purdue University Fort Wayne—and make new friends—is by enjoying a few of the kickoff activities planned over the next two weeks. As the fall semester begins, the Student Activities Board and various other organizations are filling the calendar with opportunities to welcome new and returning students, while also helping them feel at home.

There are tons of activities to consider including Friday’s Welcome Back BBQ at Student Housing on the Waterfield Campus, which is open to all students and their families, not just those who live in student housing. Other possibilities include the Multicultural Center’s Welcome Station, the Q Center Welcome Table and Open House, the Disability Access Center Welcome Back Breakfast, and the TRIO Coffee Hour. Be sure to check out a full list on the Events Calendar.

The first welcome back week starts Sunday with S’mores from 7 to 9 p.m. at student housing, an event that includes a movie, lawn games, and fire pits.

On Monday, the traditional Campus Kickoff launches with lunch on the Science Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It features food, T-shirts, lawn games, and various inflatables, all provided free of charge for those who attend. More than 1,000 students take part annually. If it rains, everything will quickly move inside to Lutheran Health Fieldhouse.

The DEI Block Party will happen on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in Alumni Plaza with free food, a DJ, and resource booths. The Classic Ballroom is the backup site if the weather turns nasty. The block party is followed by an SAB Technicolor Splash Water Battle at student housing where teams will be armed with water launchers and sponge balls. It's the first of several new events being offered this semester. The H2O battle will rage from 7 to 9 p.m. 

Wednesday’s highlight is the annual Rec Fest on the Science Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which includes various lawn games and giveaways. Other activities include kayaking down on the St. Joseph River. Ice cream will also be provided. In case of rain, run for the fieldhouse.

The first week concludes Aug. 29 with the always-popular Root Beer Float Social from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in parking lot 10. This session includes music, henna, caricatures, face painting, and a free beer stein giveaway at the waterfront near the Ron Venderly Family Bridge.

Even better, this year’s social is combined with the Day on the River spectacular featuring kayaks, airboat rides, karaoke bike rides, disk golf, and other merriment.

Everyone will need a long Labor Day weekend to catch their breath after all that, but things restart Sept. 3 with the Dons College Picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Science Mall. Besides showcasing the various academic opportunities on campus with food, giveaways, and a DJ supplied as incentives, the highlight of the day could be the return of ziplining after a one-year absence! This high-flying activity in the past has even featured a couple deans racing for bragging rights. In case of inclement weather, everything that can move indoors will relocate to the Classic Ballroom and first-floor hallways at Walb Student Union.

Sept. 4 sees the midweek return of the annual Connections Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Science Mall. Student organizations, campus groups, and a few off-campus organizations use this as an opportunity to introduce themselves to all Dons and Red Foxes who stop by.

Kickoff events this year conclude with a favorite, recent addition, the third annual Foam Party @ The Disco on Sept. 5. There’s plenty of food, music, and giveaways from 7 to 9 p.m. at student housing, along with chances in the foam pit to create one or two of those favorite colleges memories that just might last a lifetime.

Remember to visit the Events Calendar throughout the whole year and read more about what’s happening in Don Life.