Welcome back, Ospreys! A few changes were made to the annual Welcome Week, as from August 30 to September 4, Stockton hosted a variety of creative and fun events — big and small — while also spacing out the different events that usually occur. Then, instead of having classes begin the day after Labor Day, the academic year began on Thursday, September 5, leaving two full days for students to move in, get acclimated to campus, and meet fellow Ospreys.

September 1 brought the last crowd of freshman and transfer students to campus, sparking a series of exciting events. Among them was the Neon Nest Glow Party, held in the Campus Center Event Room, where students received free glow-in-the-dark accessories and danced to fun and familiar tunes of the decades.

On Labor Day, the annual Spirit Day is usually held, but Stockton’s community instead hosted the first “Labor Day Fest,” where Greek-letter organizations could play games and connect with potential new members. Fraternity brothers and sorority sisters alike played volleyball and socialized with the many new freshman and transfer students that attended, enjoying the beautiful weather and listening to great music, the DJ being from Alpha Sigma Phi.

Tables were set up for Christie Cassel, also known as @collegeposterlady on Instagram, who sold many paintings, posters, and other decor to students looking to spice up their dorms. Among the many organizations were members of Omega Phi Beta, who were recently added to Stockton’s Greek family, and Tri Sigma, who are restarting their chapter this year.

Spirit Day was the most active day of the week, where new students attended many events and traditions to be formally introduced to Stockton. The ever-energetic President Joe Bertolino was present at every moment along with Talon the Osprey, the Cheerleading Team, the Dance Team, and the T.A.L.O.N.S. At the After Party, many organizations introduced themselves to the new Ospreys, including some debuting clubs making their first on-campus appearance, like the Guatemalan Student Association (GUASA).

The DJ played some fun tunes like DJ Casper’s “Cha-Cha Slide”, the “Cupid Shuffle”, and “Jerusalema”, where many students went to dance, and the volleyball players even paused their game to join in. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather and played volleyball and catch with footballs under the sun. The After Party was succeeded by a calm and fun session of canoeing on the gorgeous Lake Fred.

With the first Monday of classes having begun September 9, student energy appears high with enthusiasm flying. Keep soaring this year, Ospreys!

If you’re looking to get involved on campus, there are plenty of places to find clubs. Visit OspreyHub to check out all of the clubs, and be sure visit the Get Involved Fair on September 17-18. Any students seeking a “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” can meet the Greek-letter organizations at Meet the Greeks on September 16 and fill out this eligibility form!