One of Winthrop University’s longest-standing traditions is Welcome Week, a whole week of events dedicated to introducing new freshmen to the campus. From Saturday to the next Sunday, Winthrop pulls out all the stops to make sure that incoming freshmen feel welcome and included, as well as make sure that returning students have an easy and stress-free welcome week.
Some of the highlights of the week include phenomenal events that Winthrop put on, like a live showing of The Suicide Squad and a concert by Ray Singleton. Many of these events were show-stopping by themselves, and made the week more memorable than the last few years of Welcome Weeks.
The first of the best events during Welcome Week was “The Drums of Polynesia.” This event showcased Pacific culture from places such as Hawaii and New Zealand, while also bringing traditional Pacific-Islander dances to Rock Hill. The highlight of this event was the celebration of Pacific Island culture, as well as the role that audience participation played throughout the event. Another notable feature was the use of fire during the performance that brought audience members to their feet. This event brought a mesmerizing sample of Pacific-Islander culture to the students of Winthrop.
The second of the best events Welcome Week had to offer was the thrilling agility course. While some students came to watch others take part in the American Ninja Warrior-esque course, a bunch of students got the chance to take part in it. This allowed students to have an opportunity to exercise and test their endurance. The best part of the course was the climbing wall – and not just because of the exercise it provided! When students successfully climbed the wall, their peers congratulated them; if students did not make it, their classmates offered advice and solace. It made this event an opportunity for students to build both physical and emotional strength.
Another one of the best events from Welcome Week was the Ray Singleton concert in Tillman Auditorium on Aug. 26. Singleton gave an energetic and emotional performance to the audience, which consisted of established fans and those new to Singleton’s music. While there were some technical issues, Singleton and his band managed to overcome these obstacles and captivate audience members. A highlight of Singleton’s performance was when he performed a set featuring music by Bruno Mars. One of the most memorable parts of the concert was his cover of “Just the Way You Are,” which he dedicated to his wife who was watching via Instagram Live. Singleton did a phenomenal job in the show and turned this new listener into a fan.
The final of the best events had to be the performance given by comedian Matteo Lane. His use of the Q&A format to deliver punchlines is one not often seen, and was a welcome change of pace to stand up comedy. It was an amazing evening full of fun one-liners from Lane – from him explaining what a Horcrux is and how Dr. Oz is one, to a live voice cameo from the legendary drag performer, Bob the Drag Queen. It was a night full of laughter for everyone who was there and Lane kept his audience entertained. He did a phenomenal job entertaining an eager crowd.
Overall, this Welcome Week was a huge success. The events were awesome, from students running the obstacle course to the viewing of fire dancing in the amphitheater. It was a week full of intrigue, comedy, and learning more about Winthrop. Welcome Week is a time honored Winthrop tradition, and this was definitely one to remember.
