In a week filled with various activities to welcome students back to campus, one of the most sacred traditions is Opening Day Mass. This year, the Walsh community joined together in prayer for the new school year as they celebrated Mass outdoors on the campus lawn west of the David Center. The Mass included a special presentation of selected items that were chosen to represent the Walsh community's hopes for the coming year, interests, signature programs and Cavalier athletic teams.
"We commit ourselves to excellence, integrity and service and come here with a renewed sense of passion as a community, as Walsh University," said Associate Vice President for Mission Implementation Miguel Chavez.
During the Homily, Rev. Thomas Cebula recounted all of the ways he has witnessed God’s presence on campus leading up to and during Opening Weekend.
"From my vantage point as your Senior Chaplain, I have witnessed God’s wonderful Spirit present and active in many great and powerful ways here right on our campus. Let me testify to some of them.
- The Cavs Crew helping hundreds of incoming freshmen unloading their vehicles, lifting and carrying thousands of pounds of belongings to their rooms. I testify, there is the Spirit.
- My blessing of the hands of graduates in the accelerated nursing program. And saying to each graduate, 'with these hands bring healing to your patients.’ I testify, there is the Spirit.
- Peacemakers and RAs stepping forward to take intensive training in order to promote peace and harmony in our residential halls. I testify, there is the Spirit.
- Throngs of students responding to PJ Chavez’s appeal for various liturgical ministries. In serving God’s people in their hearts, and praise and worship in the Chapel. I testify, there is the Spirit.
- President Jusseaume and many others praying before the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on the night of August 14. Bringing before the Lord the names of each incoming freshman. I testify, there is the Spirit.
- Respect and support for the dignity and flourishing of each student on campus, fostered last night in the program hosted by Dr. Terry Echols, the Director of Multicultural Affairs. I testify, there is the Spirit.
- And finally, Coach Dan Pifer requesting to hold Chapel for our football team this coming Saturday morning as they begin their new season. I testify, there is the Spirit."
Even before the 2017-18 academic year began, members of the Walsh community came together on Monday, August 14, for a Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Assumption and Adoration to pray for each incoming freshman student by their name in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel.
Walsh University welcomed the Freshman Class of 2021 and all students back to campus on Saturday, August 26, for the start of 2017-18 school year. This year's Walsh student body represents 40 states and 40 countries, with 37 new international students arriving on campus this fall.
On Friday, August 25, Walsh’s Blouin Global Scholars and Blouin Leaders in Social Justice participated in a new series of workshops, the Blouin Forum, in which all of the cohorts meet to connect, collaborate, and develop skills around a particular theme. This year's theme is advocacy.
Opening Weekend began on Saturday with a full-schedule of activities for new and returning students and their families. Programming included academic information sessions, a resource fair, parent meetings, welcome picnic and interactive sessions covering Walsh’s unique programs and services.
Held on Saturday, August 26, the Matriculation Ceremony 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 degree. That evening, all freshman students gathered together on the Chapel steps for their annual class photo followed by the freshman social.
The Multicultural Affairs Orientation was held on Tuesday, August 30. This is the third year for this event which is designed to meet the needs of Walsh's multicultural students. During the orientation, 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.
Nationally known comedian Preacher Lawson from "America's Got Talent" was the featured Welcome Back Week entertainer and performed for a packed Barrette Business and Community Center, on Wednesday, August 30. After the show, students patiently waited in line to have their picture taken with Lawson who will be competing as one of ten semi-finalists on the first live show of AGT on September 5.