Walsh University marks the beginning of the new year with a week of orientation activities and annual traditions all designed to welcome students back to campus.
Welcome Weekend was packed with a full-schedule of activities for new and returning students and their families. Programming included academic information sessions, a Student Services Resource Fair, parent meetings, welcome picnic and interactive sessions covering Walsh’s unique programs and services.
Even before the 2018-19 academic year began, members of the Walsh community came together on Wednesday, August 23, for Mass and Adoration to pray for each incoming freshman student by their name in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel.
The MOSAIC Multicultural Affairs Orientation kicked-off the start of Opening Weekend on Thursday, August 24, with a Welcome Dinner. This is the fourth year for this event which is focused on meeting the needs of Walsh's multicultural students. During the MOSAIC dinner, students learned about University resources, campus involvement opportunities and the Greater Canton community. They also had a chance to meet University staff members and interact with incoming and current Walsh students.
Walsh University welcomed the Freshman Class of 2022 and all students back to campus on Saturday, August 25, and Sunday, August 26, for the start of 2018-19 school year. This year's Walsh student body represents 40 states and 34 countries, with one of the largest groups of international students arriving on campus this fall.
Saturday activities also included Walsh’s Matriculation Ceremony, which is an annual tradition where the first year class officially enters into the learning community that is Walsh University. The ceremony begins with the procession of Walsh faculty in full regalia. This annual event celebrates the mutual partnership to support and challenge students to become leaders in service while pursuing their undergraduate degrees. That evening, all first-year students gathered on the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel steps for their annual class photo followed by a picnic at Hoover Park.
New this fall, Walsh first-year students will be creating a documentary about a topic of their choice to earn their first digital badge credential. Utilizing their smartphones, Walsh students will explore the art of storytelling by creating a video documentary "My Walsh Digital Story." The project kicked-off on Monday, August 27, with creative sessions in the Marlene and Joe Toot Global Learning Center and a discussion with author Dr. Eylem Atakav, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television Studies and internationally acclaimed documentary director.
As the culminating event for Opening Week, the Walsh community will join in prayer for the new school year and celebrate Opening Day Mass together on Wednesday, August 29. Resident Priest Rev. Michael Denk, Senior Chaplain Rev. Thomas Cebula and Rev. Patrick Manning will lead the celebration with a homily delivered by Fr. Manning in honor of his 40th anniversary of priesthood. In addition, a special selection of items will be placed on the altar to represent the Walsh community's hopes for the coming year, interests, signature programs and Cavalier athletic teams.