Start the semester with food, fun, and new connections

From rock-wall climbing and a giant foam pit to an outdoor movie under the stars, Purdue Fort Wayne students will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate the start of the fall semester.

The Office of Student Life and Leadership has at least six events planned between Aug. 24 and Sept. 2, giving new and returning students opportunities to meet others, discover campus resources, and create memories beyond the classroom.

“College is way more than just a degree,” said Abbey Wang, director of student life and leadership. “Half of the fun of college is taking part in these kinds of events, meeting new people and creating your own college experience.”

The festivities begin Monday, Aug. 24, with Campus Kickoff from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Science Mall. Students can enjoy free boxed lunches, mini golf, rock-wall climbing, a life-size Hungry Hippo game, and more. Campus Kickoff shirts will also be available while supplies last.

A longtime student favorite returns Thursday, Aug. 27, when students can Slip & Slide into the New School Year from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Student Housing. The event will feature a giant foam pit, slip-and-slide activities, popsicles, and waterproof phone pouches for the first 300 students.

“A giant foam pit is not something you see every day,” Wang said. “We enjoy getting to see the students have a blast at that event each year.”

This year’s schedule also includes something new: Movie on the Lawn. The event will take place Friday, Aug. 28, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on the Science Mall. Students can watch a movie under the stars while enjoying classic theater snacks, including popcorn, nachos, pretzels with cheese, hot dogs, and candy. The first 100 students will receive a PFW blanket. The movie selection will be announced soon.

The idea came from returning students and immediately caught Wang's attention.

“I have always hoped to coordinate a drive-in-style movie event here at PFW,” she said. “I’m hoping it will be an authentic and fun experience for students to watch a movie under the stars right here on our campus.”

Although students see the finished events, the work behind them began months ago. Planning started in March with brainstorming, reviewing attendance from previous years, and considering which activities interest students most.

Throughout the summer, the team worked with local vendors, reserved spaces, ordered giveaways, coordinated catering, and finalized hundreds of details. With a fixed budget, planners focused on the quality of the student experience instead of simply adding more events to the calendar.

“This several-month process is very meticulous, but seeing all the Dons come out to these events with big smiles on their faces makes it all worth it,” Wang said.

The Student Activities Board plays an important role in bringing the events to life, along with faculty and staff volunteers and campus partners such as Special Events and Fresh Ideas. 

Beyond providing food and entertainment, the events are intended to help students feel at home at PFW. The Campus Connections Fair on Sept. 2 will bring together student organizations, campus offices and community organizations so students can explore resources and find ways to get involved.

For anyone nervous about attending an event alone, Wang offered a reminder: Many other students feel exactly the same way.

“Introduce yourself while waiting in line, ask someone to join you for a game or offer someone the cookie you don’t want,” she said. “It could be your next best friend. There is truly no better place to meet people.”

New and returning students can also help plan future events by joining the Student Activities Board. Students can email [email protected] or visit the SAB table at any upcoming event to learn more.

“We planned all of this for you,” Wang said. “We can’t wait to welcome our Dons into the school year with some awesome events.”

Mark Your Calendar

• Campus Kickoff
  Date: Monday, Aug. 24
  Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Location: Science Mall
  What to expect: Boxed lunches, activities, and PFW shirts while supplies last
• Rec Fest
  Date: Wednesday, Aug. 26
  Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Location: Science Mall
  What to expect: Ice cream and Rec Fest shirts
• Slip & Slide into the New School Year
  Date: Thursday, Aug. 27
  Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
  Location: Student Housing
  What to expect: Giant foam pit, slip-and-slide activities, popsicles, and waterproof phone pouches for the first 300 students
• Movie on the Lawn
  Date: Friday, Aug. 28
  Time: 7:30–11 p.m.
  Location: Science Mall
  What to expect: Movie-theater snacks and PFW blankets for the first 100 students
• Splash Bash
  Date: Tuesday, Sept. 1
  Time: 6–8 p.m.
  Location: Student Housing
  What to expect: Water slides, water battles, and ice cream
• Campus Connections Fair
  Date: Wednesday, Sept. 2
  Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Location: Science Mall
  What to expect: Student organizations, campus and community resources, walking tacos, fidget spinners, and phone fans