William Carey University welcomed new students during the second annual CareyWOW (Welcome and Orientation Weekend) held from August 20-24.
The weekend of activities included welcoming ceremonies, special dinners, devotional times, recreational activities, nature walks and orientation sessions. The Crusader Ceremony, held Thursday night, formally welcomed new students to Carey with an overview of the university's history, namesake and customs. Dr. Scott Hummel, the university's provost, also addressed the new students. Following the ceremony, students were treated to limousine rides and red carpet entrances at Evening with the Stars, an event hosted by the admissions office featuring dinner and movie trivia.
A CareyWOW highlight is the division of new students into teams to encourage relationship building and friendly competition with fellow teams. Teams competed in numerous activities, such as scavenger hunts, throughout the weekend. On Friday, the Crusader Challenge brought teams and Carey staff members against each other in various water challenges.
Following the challenge, students were treated to a lunch and question-and-answer session with Dr. Tommy King, Carey president, and Hummel. Orientation sessions followed, including sessions on Carey's culture and history, the student handbook, the library, Carey's information technology, money management and campus involvement. Friday activities concluded with men's and women's soccer games and a dinner where local Hattiesburg churches prepared food for new students.
Saturday events started with HubSERVE, a Carey tradition of reaching out and helping others in the community. The 15 student teams, along with their mentors and CareyWOW student event workers, volunteered at nine sites in the area, including locations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Fieldhouse for the Homeless and the Hattiesburg Zoo. Lunch was provided by local businesses.
Orientation sessions continued on Saturday with Dorm Room Gourmet, an exploration of how to make meals, desserts and snacks in the comfort of a dorm room, and sessions on how to have fun in Hattiesburg. Dr. Diane Williams, a lecturer in psychology and counseling, presented a session on laughter and how humor is beneficial to good health. Saturday events concluded with CareyWOW Showcase, a video presentation of the weekend's highlights.
Sunday events included visiting local churches and the Festival of the Freshmen, a picnic on the university's Quad. CareyWOW concluded on August 24 with the university's Opening Day Convocation and the start of fall classes.
"CareyWOW was a resounding success as it connected our new students to lifelong friends, instilled school spirit, engaged them in community service, inspired them spiritually and provided information necessary for them to be successful Carey students," said Hummel.