The Omnibus

Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Sarah Danford Senior Courtney Barron and junior Kesha Wieskamp wash the feet of and pray over a transfer student from their group at Welcome Week. The foot washing ceremony conveys to the new students the servanthood of the support staff and fellow students at Southwest Baptist University. More than 100 returning SBU students joined the Welcome Week Steering Committee in welcoming new students on August 16. Welcome Week provides students the chance to meet other new students and make the transition into college.

Welcome Week Steering Committee, along with a staff of more than 100 returning students, welcomed around 400 new students to the Southwest Baptist University campus on Aug. 16.
"I enjoyed helping with Welcome Week this year," said sophomore Mally Ulm. "I got to share my own experience of Welcome Week with the new students."
Getting to know new and returning students and making lasting connections is what Welcome Week is all about.
"It's a lot easier to get to know people at Welcome Week because everyone seems to let down their guard," said Ulm.
This year Welcome Week began Aug. 16 and ended Aug. 19, which was one day shorter than in previous years. The first day started with moving in and registration.
Registration was held in Goodson Student Union and Meyer Wellness and Sports Center.
New students were given group information, student ID cards, parking stickers and had the opportunity to browse the gym where local businesses, churches and SBU organizations set up tables with information and free items.
Different information sessions provided new students with important facts and rules about life at SBU. The students also participated in the Academic Profile Test, which helps the University stay accredited.
Jon Gillis, founder of E-Life Ministries and the speaker for the week, challenged the new students to "thirst" after God especially during this time of transition. Worship was lead by the Caleb Rowden Band from Columbia.
On Friday afternoon, a carnival was held at the Burnidge Memorial Forum where SBU organizations, local businesses and churches provided games. There was a dunk tank, but stormy weather caused the event to end earlier than expected.
The anticipated talent show brought grace, excitement and Trix to the stage in Pike Auditorium.
Group five was declared the winner after their interpretive dance to "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion.
"This was the best year of the talent show in the four years I have been a part of Welcome Week," said senior Raylene Powell, co-director of Welcome Week.
Saturday evening, group leaders served the new students through a foot washing ceremony.
It was a time when each student could specifically be prayed for and appreciated by the older returning students.
"Welcome Week wouldn't have been possible without the amazing support staff," said Powell.

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