Annual SIUE Cougar Welcome Brings the Fun During First Week of Classes
Classes are in full swing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and so are the Cougar Welcome activities for new and returning students.
This week, students have taken part in a back-to-school barbeque, resource fair, kick-off event, and trivia night, among many other activities. 
“My experience has been amazing so far,” said first-year theater major Colin Hoef, of Collinsville. “I moved in last Thursday and have gotten to meet my neighbors. All of my classes have been great. My acting class is especially amazing.”
Students took a break between classes on Wednesday, Aug. 24 to attend the annual Merchant Fair featuring representatives from a variety of community businesses and organizations. They also enjoyed an ice cream social, which included free Dairy Queen Blizzards being handed out by SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, and Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs/Dean of Students Rony Die.
“We came to the Goshen Lounge for the free ice cream,” shared senior Chloe Young, of Springfield, who is studying early childhood education. “But it is really nice to see all of these different businesses and organizations here, so we can learn more and become involved.”
Destiny Bernard, of Mulberry Grove, is enjoying the atmosphere on campus as it is enlivened with first week traditions.
“We came to SIUE during COVID restrictions, so we haven’t been as active on campus for the last couple of years,” added Bernard, a senior early childhood education major. “Seeing everyone interacting and enjoying themselves is great!”
“We don’t have a lot of activities like this back in India,” said Rahila Khatoon, a mechanical engineering graduate student. “There are a lot of events here that help us meet new people and relax from our studies. Everybody here is so helpful and compassionate.”
Campus events will continue through next week as students are welcomed to campus. For a full list of welcome week events, visit siue.edu/kimmel/events/cougarwelcome.
Photos: SIUE students enjoy an ice cream social during the Cougar Welcome.
SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, hands out Dairy Queen Blizzards to students.
