As Welcome Week nears its conclusion, NAU students have had the chance to experience a multitude of events, each representing different aspects of campus life. 

Festivities began a week ago at the Welcome Back Barbeque in the courtyard between Aspen Crossing and Wilson Hall. More than 600 people attended the outdoor event.

Students and their families were invited to a fun-filled night of basketball, volleyball and Frisbee. These events all played to the sounds of live music.

Kellie Hascall, the Student Affairs director, said the event garnered more attention than previously anticipated.

 Celebrating members of the winning team of the scavenger hunt pass around high-fives after being the first team to collect all 11 clues hidden on campus Friday afternoon. The event, sponsored by The Edge Student Leaders, pitted more than 20 teams of new students against one another in a race around campus to locate 11 clues. Matt Beaty/ The Lumberjack

 

“It definitely exceeded all expectations,” Hascall said. “We got

so preoccupied with food that there was not time for anything

else.”

Following the barbeque, students were treated to an outdoor movie, Yes Man, sponsored by Student Union Network (SUN) Entertainment.

“The barbeque corresponded well with the movie,” Hascall said. “Almost all the grass in the field was covered [with people].” 

Friday night brought laughs in the form of acclaimed hypnotist C.J. Johnson. Johnson, who has performed at NAU nine of the past 10 years, entertained the packed Ardrey Auditorium by hypnotizing more than 20 students at once. Those who were hypnotized performed an array of outlandish acts. These included a dance-off and the formation of a fictitious boy band, the Buttbeat Boys. 

Johnson said NAU crowds always bring out the best in his performances.

“Everyone is just so fun and energetic,” Johnson said. “I do not get the chance very often to feel like a rock star, but NAU does that for me.”

The next night featured an outdoor concert at the Wall Aquatic Field headlined by Cute is What We Aim For. The concert also featured the Pheonix-based band Good with Grenades and ska band Suburban Legends.

Rachel Cole, a program coordinator with SUN Entertainment, said the bands were chosen by students months before show time.

“We sent out a survey…and asked students their thoughts on the bands,” Cole said. “We picked the bands that received the best response.”

As the first week of classes began, students were treated to ice cream socials and additional barbeques.

Leanne Jones, an assistant director of New Student Programs, said the events used to comprise Welcome Week not only serve the students, but the school as well.  

“We try to figure out what the students want to do,” Jones said. “It involves looking at what is popular and what helps students get connected. We are excited for people to…gain school spirit.”

On Aug. 28, Welcome Week continues with the Digital Carnival at 7 p.m. in the du Bois’ Peaks Dining Area; the Black and White Icebreaker Dance from 8 to 11 p.m. (also in the du Bois Ballroom); and AfterHours Casino Night, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the University Union.