Students ate lunch served by President Guy Bailey, decorated flip-flops and became more familiar with the university through other fun activities throughout The Best Week Ever at UTRGV.
The event began Aug. 24 with Freshman Move-In on the Edinburg campus. In Brownsville, the move-in was delayed two days due to the threat of Hurricane Harvey. However, students who arrived on the first day of class, Aug. 28, still got the chance to attend many other planned events.
The university kicked off the week with Info Depots. Volunteers offered students information, directions and snacks. During Aug. 29’s Swag Giveaway, students received small prizes such as pens and candy while they learned about the services offered at the Student Union.
At the Toss for Luck on the Edinburg campus, students threw coins into the Chapel’s fountain. Several UTRGV students will be awarded scholarships with the money raised.
The University Library hosted Harry Potter week. The library had many Harry Potter-themed decorations. They displayed cutouts, prints, student-made decorations and art from a UTRGV Harry Potter literature class. On Aug. 28, the library staff distributed Harry Potter-themed campus maps. They also showed up to The Stomp to interact with students.
On Wednesday, the university celebrated UTRGV Day and launched the Strategic Plan. Several speakers explained the purpose of the plan. They hope the initiative will promote student success through its “core priorities.” The University Ballroom was filled with faculty, staff and students listening to the speakers. After the presentation, T-shirts were distributed and cupcakes were served.
The Stomp, an annual event that is part of UTRGV’s Best Week Ever, hosted student organizations and local businesses to help in welcoming incoming students to the campus community. Held Tuesday on the Student Union lawn on the Brownsville campus, the event featured free food, T-shirts, fidget spinners and more. ALBERT MONRROY/THE RIDER
Thursday featured several exciting events Picnic with the President. On the Edinburg campus, it was hosted inside the ballroom. Students lined up to receive hamburgers and snacks. President Bailey greeted students and helped serve food along with fellow administrators.
Student Activities Director Cindy Mata-Vasquez helped at the event and said the university expected to serve food for around 1,200 people.
“They’re giving out burgers, chips, drinks,” Mata-Vasquez said. “Student Involvement is outside with games. We have a photo booth. Kona Ice is out here. … It’s a good way to welcome students back to campus.”
The Stomp, held Tuesday in Brownsville and Thursday in Edinburg gave students the opportunity to learn about different campus organizations and departments. Around 50 different organizations participated. Some undergraduate students, such as criminal justice student Miranda Bowman and international relations major Fay Medina, found organizations they were interested in joining. Bowman hopes to join the American Criminal Justice Association, while Medina wishes to join the Environmental Awareness Club.
Many students were helping their organizations recruit new members.
The university’s events will continue this week with the CPB Bash Tuesday in Edinburg and Wednesday in Brownsville. Late Nite is scheduled Thursday at the UREC on the Edinburg campus and Sept. 14 in the Texas Southmost Recreation Center in Brownsville.
