Monday, August 08, 2005

By Larry Pakowski, PR Intern

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The University of North Carolina Wilmington will welcome 1,950 first-year students this weekend. The 2005 freshmen class averaged 1134 on the SAT with a 3.64 average GPA and includes approximately 200 minority students and 100 international students.

UNCWelcome ’05 offers students, primarily incoming freshmen, with more than two weeks of activities, events and happenings to “jump-in” and get involved. The annual event at the UNCW is designed to acquaint students with their new community and prepare them for the academic year ahead.

In addition to many other events scheduled, highlights include:

Saturday, Aug. 13

• 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Move-In – This annual event brings continuing students, faculty and staff together to help incoming freshmen and their families get “settled into” residencies around campus.

• 4:30 p.m. Welcome Program and Picnic – This event in Trask Coliseum will bring incoming freshmen and their families together for an official welcome. A picnic will follow at Eaton Plaza, between Trask Coliseum and Hinton James Hall.

• 8:30 p.m. Hypnotist Tom Deluca – As an annual event associated with UNCWelcome festivities, Tom Deluca promises to combine the power of suggestion with tons of laughs. The event will be held in Trask Coliseum.

Sunday, Aug. 14

• 7 p.m. On-campus Carnival – The Hoggard Hall lawn will be transformed into a fairground. A variety of games, cotton candy, popcorn and other freebies will be provided.

Tuesday, Aug. 16

• 1-5 p.m. Beach Blast – In the perfect way to relax one last time before classes begin, the Seahawks will be soaking up the rays at Wrightsville Beach.

• 7 p.m. – Comedian Buzz Sutherland will perform in the Warwick Center Ballroom. Known for home spun characters, outrageous facial expressions and audience participation, this show promises to keep the Hawks rolling out of their chairs.

Thursday, Aug. 18

• 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Concert on the Commons – Samecumba will perform live on the Campus Commons with free food and Latin music.

Saturday, Aug. 20

• 6:30 p.m. Concert at the Galloway Basketball Courts – The Fat Ellis Band will be in concert , followed by local hip-hop duo Brown Co.

For a complete listing of events associated with UNCWelcome ’05, a comprehensive brochure and description of all events may be downloaded at http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/activities/documents/UNCWelcomeWeek_Book_000.pdf.

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For more information contact Angie Roth, associate director for involvement and campus activities at rothar@uncw.edu or 910/962-3284.