Ivy Tech kicks off fall semester on Monday, hosts third annual Welcome Week Music Fest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2011

Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington’s fall semester kicks off on Monday morning, August 22. Per campus traditions, students can expect to be greeted on the morning of the first day of classes at the main entrance of the main campus, now named the Connie and Steve Ferguson Academic Building, by Chancellor John Whikehart and bagpiper Ian Arthur.

Ivy Tech-Bloomington Chancellor John Whikehart says that he looks forward to the first day of classes each year. “This is the official start of the fall semester, in which many students begin or continue their journeys toward accomplishing their academic goals,” he said. “I am proud to welcome them with open doors to Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus.”

The third annual Welcome Week Music Fest will take place on Thursday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Welcome Week Music Fest will be held on the main campus lawn and is open to Ivy Tech students who are encouraged to bring their families and friends to the event.

This year’s Music Fest at Ivy Tech will have performances by Eric Radoux, Lindsay Smith and Vaughn & Co. In addition to free concerts, Ivy Tech students, friends and family will enjoy a photo booth, kid’s zone and fireworks finale. Attendees will also get the chance to win an iPad2 at the event.

On Monday and Tuesday of Welcome Week, students will see a fresh start breakfast including coffee and pastries at the main campus, Liberty Drive and Liberty Crossing locations. Other Welcome Week activities include a cookout with live music on Monday, a comedy show on Tuesday and student involvement fairs on Wednesday. Welcome Week events and activities are planned and hosted by Ivy Tech’s student Campus Activities Board.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sam DeWeese says that studies show the more connected students are with their campus, the better they do academically. “Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus offers relevant and engaging activities through the Office of Student Support and Development, as well as through the Center or Civic Engagement,” he says. “Offering a wide variety of experiences for students with diverse backgrounds are just some of the ways that Ivy Tech makes connections with our students.”

For more information about student life opportunities at Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus log on www.ivytech.edu/bloomington and click on Student Life or click on Civic Engagement for volunteer options.

Welcome Week Activity Schedule for reporting or photographs

Monday, August 22

Chancellor greeting begins at 7:40 a.m.

8-10am: Fresh Start with Campus Activities Board (CAB) – Free coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea and pastries (Main campus, Liberty Dr and Liberty Crossing)

11:30am-2pm: CAB Cookout – Free hotdogs, hamburgers and cookies, with live music by Calumet Reel (Main campus – Outdoor plaza)

Tuesday, August 23

8-10am: Fresh Start with Campus Activities Board (CAB) – Free coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea and pastries (Main campus)

11am-2pm: Wellness and Recreation Connection – Free healthy snacks and lifestyle enhancement information (Main campus)

7-8:30pm: Comedy Hypnosis Show – Free admission and refreshments. Guests must be at least 16 years of age (Main campus)

Wednesday, August 24

11am-2pm: Student Involvement Fair – Free Jiffy Treet ice cream (Main campus)

4:45-6pm: Student Involvement Fair – Free Chick-fil-A (Main campus)

Thursday, August 25

7-9:30pm: Welcome Week Music Fest – Free concert, food, photo booth, kid’s zone, iPad 2 giveaway and fireworks finale. Family and friends of all ages are welcome to attend. Bring you blankets and lawn chairs—no coolers permitted. (Main campus lawn)