Welcome Weekend 2010 a smooth success

By Joanne Santomauro

Welcome Weekend-one of the few things to look forward to when school starts-is a time for bushy-tailed freshmen to orient themselves in new territory, seasoned sophomores to feel a little high-and-mighty and everyone else to roll up their sleeves and get ready for the new school year.

Returning upperclassmen signed up last spring as Welcome Weekend volunteers to assist on-campus residents with the move-in process. Sophomores Melanie Jacobs-Romero and Kristen Hutchinson enjoyed their experience on the staff.

"We'd run up with mail carriers and unload their boxes," said Jacobs-Romero. "There were maybe 30 to 40 of us for each dorm. The women's basketball team even came out to help."

Added Hutchinson, "I worked with Campus Safety to direct traffic. It was really nice to have so many volunteers, the process ran pretty smoothly."

Sophomore Cole Prince presented a few downsides of working as a Welcome Weekend volunteer.

"You get up at the crack of dawn, wait around until the freshmen start showing up in cars, then they come-suddenly, in waves of like, 50," he said. "It's interesting, to say the least. The worst part is waking up at seven, working all day, and being exhausted."

However, the perks of the job make up for it, according to Prince.

"It's still worth it...it was nice to meet all the freshmen and be on campus early to get used to everything before the crowds rush in."

Freshman Andy Azzarello thought the move-in process was relatively simple.

"Moving in was a breeze. I didn't have to carry any of my stuff," he said. Freshman Jamie Fox agrees. "I liked how organized the process was. It ran very smoothly," he said. There were numerous events around campus to give new students a hearty welcome. SCU Presents! took place in Mayer Theater on Saturday night, showcasing various arts groups, such as Vocalicious, an on-campus a cappella group and Inoperable Humor, a stand-up improvisation comedy show. Welcome Weekend concluded with the SCU Kick-Off! Club fair on Sunday night at the new Locatelli Center. Energy skyrocketed as various student groups lined up outside and inside Locatelli, screaming for students to sign up for their mailing lists. Clubs use the Kick-Off! as their primary opportunity to showcase their club to Santa Clara students.

Senior Brittany Thai, president of the Ultimate Frisbee club, believes this year's Club Fair proved very beneficial to the club.

"We get a lot of sign-ups, and it is a great way for our club to get exposed," she said. To give people a flavor of their club, they had team members demonstrate various Frisbee tosses behind the table.

Well-known groups such as the Associated Student Government use the event to attract freshmen interested in running for senate positions. Sophomore Robert Leupp, ASG senate chair, sees the club fair as a great way to promote student government.

"We're trying to get kids excited about getting involved. We're looking for enthusiastic leaders," said Leupp. "There are a lot of great leaders in the new class, and we want to get them excited about ASG."

New clubs like Rock Climbing Club used the club fair to get a kick-start on recruiting new members. Sophomore Leif Kjos, president of the club said, "We want to find people who like to climb and plan their own trips."

Most clubs handed out candy as an incentive for signing up for their mailing lists. Paintball Club, on the other hand, had a slightly different strategy; the members showcased the clubs equipment, such as jerseys, helmets and guns. Sophomore Michael Shubert explained his club's appeal; "What can I say? The people love the jerseys. They love the chocolate, and I'm pretty sure we're the only table that has guns." According to sophomore Thomas Belesiu, Debate Club is putting on a new face this year.

"We'll be attending more tournaments and restructuring practices," said Belesiu. Junior Armand Domalewski added, "In other words, this is what debate club is about this year: more people, more enthusiasm, and more kicking ass."

Freshmen Daniel Gherardi and Alex Casares enjoyed Welcome Weekend.

"I like the club fair. I was really interested in the College Republicans Club and Toastmasters," said Gherardi.

Added Cesares, "It was fun, and obviously planned very well. It's a little overwhelming because things are just thrown at you left and right. But I liked it."

Contact Joanne Santomauro at jsantomauro@scu.edu or at (408) 554-1918.