UIW Broadway Campus Hosts Welcome Week 2025

Welcome Week on the UIW Broadway campus is an exciting opportunity to greet new and returning students as a new academic year begins. Throughout the week of Monday, Aug. 25 to Saturday, Aug. 30, various engaging events are coordinated for students to enjoy as they embrace their Cardinal pride.

"Welcome Week is designed to welcome our new and returning students into the UIW community," shared Dr. Rochelle Ramirez, director of Campus Engagement. "It's a time to foster connection, introduce students to campus resources and build a strong sense of belonging. Through a variety of events and activities, Campus Engagement's Welcome Week helps students transition smoothly into campus life, encourages involvement and sets a positive tone for the academic year ahead."

The week kicked off on Monday, Aug. 25 as students gathered in the Friendship Garden for the Office of Campus Engagement's "Word on the Street" event, which invites students to create their own custom street signs. Students showcased their creativity as they designed vibrant signs while they got to know their fellow students.

Tuesday, Aug. 26 introduced students to the many student organizations present at the Nest during the Student Organization Fair, an event that gathers student representatives in Westgate Circle to share details about their respective groups. Students wandered from table to table as they heard about the exciting opportunities each group has to offer and considered how they could find community in each unique organization.

The middle of the week kept spirits high as Campus Engagement hosted events including Morning Spins, Club Red and Cardinal Crawl on Wednesday, Aug. 27 and Thursday, Aug. 28. Each event allowed students to enjoy lively music and delicious foods such as Italian ice from Las Nieves and chicken fingers from Raising Cane's.

Friday, Aug. 29 brought a long line-up of Cardinals wrapping throughout the Student Engagement Center (SEC) as they awaited the much anticipated "Build-a-Cardinal" event. The event invited students to build a stuffed plushie, including their very own Cardinal. Students packed into the SEC Ballroom as they attentively stuffed and dressed their new cuddly friend, their eyes glowing with love as they held them close in their arms.

The week's festivities concluded on Saturday as UIW played Eastern Washington University for their first home game at the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium. Before the game, the Class of 2029 rushed across the field with Red the Cardinal during Red's Rally Run. Each student smiled joyously as they trailed behind their beloved University mascot. The evening was full of excitement as students, alumni, faculty and staff cheered on their Cardinal athletes. The UIW Football team ending victoriously with a final score of 31 - 21.

As students embark on the 2025-2026 academic year, Dr. Ramirez shared this message, "As you begin this new academic year, remember that your time at UIW is what you make of it. Get involved, ask questions and don't be afraid to seek support from your professors and the UIW staff when needed. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every connection you make adds value to your journey. Embrace the experience, be kind to yourself and know that the UIW community is here to support you every step of the way."