Community events part of Blue and Gold Welcome Week

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By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney kicks off the upcoming school year with the annual Blue and Gold Welcome Week, which includes events for students and the community starting Friday.

The 16-day event is designed to help students become familiar with the UNK campus before classes begin, as well as give the public a chance to interact with students, faculty, staff and alumni through a variety of activities. This year’s theme is Rock-n-Roll.

Students begin moving into residence halls Friday. Classes start Aug. 25.

Festivities begin with Blue and Gold Community Showcase, the annual welcome festival where more than 200 businesses and campus organizations set up booths. Live entertainment, food and product giveaways highlight the showcase, which is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday in the center of campus.

“The showcase is a great event that brings the community and students and their families together to feel welcome on the UNK campus,” said Chandra Daffer, First Year Program assistant director.

The showcase includes a free picnic hosted by Chancellor Doug Kristensen. The event is for students, faculty and community members from 5:30 to 7 p.m. near Cope Memorial Fountain.

“The 16 days of events are especially important for students to help them transition into college life,” said Daffer. “Students are able to learn about campus, learn about being a college student, connect with faculty and staff, make friends and meet other new students. It gives students a sense of belonging as they start their adventure of being Loper.”

This year’s Welcome Week includes a performance by comedian Tracey Ashley, who was nominated by Campus Activities Magazine as “Best Female Performer.” She will share hilarious stories about being raised in the South and settling down in the Midwest. Ashley will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday in the Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room.

On Aug. 28 students and the public are invited to Destination Downtown from 8 to 10 p.m. Hosted in Downtown Kearney: The Bricks, the event includes prizes, free food, student discounts at businesses, an eating contest and other activities.

Buses will run from the Nebraskan Student Union and University Residence South to downtown and back until 11 p.m. for Destination Downtown.

A new event to Welcome Week is a showing of the movie “School of Rock” at the World Theatre. The film will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Aug. 29 and 30 and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. The cost is $5. Free tickets will be given away at Destination Downtown and $2 discount coupons can be picked up at the student union Welcome Desk.

Blue and Gold Welcome Week Highlights

Friday, Aug. 22
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Residence Halls Open for New Student Move In
2:30 p.m. – Family Orientation (Ponderosa Room)
4 p.m. – Chancellor’s Welcoming Convocation (Health & Sports Center)
5 to 8 p.m. – Blue and Gold Showcase (Campus Greens)
5:30 to 7 p.m. – Chancellor’s Picnic (Campus Greens)
7 p.m. – Marching Band Exhibition (Foster Field)
8:45 to 10:15 p.m. – Playfair (Foster Field)
10:15 p.m. – Loper Rock the Night dance (Student Union Courtyard)

Saturday, Aug. 23
5 to 7 p.m. – Loper Bingo (Louie’s Diner in URS)
8 to 10 p.m. – UNK Athletics, Lopers Under the Lights (Foster Field)

Sunday, Aug. 24
5 p.m. – Party in the Park: Sand volleyball, big splash competition, other games, barbecue (Harmon Park)
8 p.m. – Comedian Tracey Ashley (Ponderosa Room)

Thursday, Aug. 28
5 p.m. – Office of Multicultural Affairs, Welcome Back BBQ (Harmon Park)
8 to 10 p.m. – Destination Downtown (Downtown Kearney on The Bricks)

Friday, Aug. 29
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Inflatable Games (Campus Greens)
5 p.m. to Close – Big Apple Fun Night (Big Apple Fun Center)

Monday, Sept. 1
11 am to 2 p.m. – Student Organization Fair (Campus Greens)
7 p.m. Mud Tug 2014 – Multi–purpose Practice Fields (two lots south of Lot 29 on 15th Ave)

Wednesday, Sept. 3
7 p.m. – Cooking with Chef Andy. The class will provide easy, budget friendly and fun cooking ideas. (The Market @ 27th Street)

Friday, Sept. 5
At Dusk – LPAC’s Outdoor Movie (South Side of Copeland Hall)