By Bry Colyar / The Jambar
Each year, universities around the country capture the attention of students returning to campus, or those arriving for their first semester.
Kathy Leeper, associate director of Kilcawley Center, said the title and theme of Youngstown State University’s Welcome Week resembled Nirvana’s hit track, “Come As You Are,” from their sophomore album, “Nevermind.”
“The theme also had a retro ’90s underground music [and] graffiti theme in its vibe and imagery to give it flair and set an artistic and dynamic mood. Inspirations included zines, DIY Ethos, punk music and street art,” Leeper said.
Simply put, the song is a showcase of the band’s late lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain accepting the listener for who they are.
YSU took after this message to plan activities and events for students based around the song’s theme.
Welcome Week’s events included IGNITE — an annual festival for first-year students — welcome tents, a student organization fair, events for questions and art and music hangouts.
Leeper said other campus services, such as YSU’s Office of Veteran Affairs and Student Government Association aided in the creation of Welcome Week’s events to students.
“The activities of the week were ‘chill’ and no pressure, like art and live music around the fountain, a tailgate for students, Build a Penguin, Puppy Palooza and the Student Organization Fair to learn about opportunities for involvement, karaoke and dancing at the Federal and bowling and pizza at Westside Bowl,” Leeper said. “Those were the Student Activities events, but other departments on campus embraced the concept and held many other events all week.”
Down to its core, Leeper said the events encouraged students to be their truest selves.
“It was meant to be a welcome to everyone coming to YSU for the first time or returning. Sometimes, students are excited, but nervous about the new year, who they will meet and if they will meet expectations on campus,” Leeper said.