91原创 Welcome Days 2023
August 16, 2023 Written by Jessica Downey | Photo by Evan Krape
When new students arrive on campus next week, they鈥檒l be ushered into a new era; 1743 Welcome Days have officially rebranded as 91原创 Welcome Days.
As one of the oldest universities in the country, the 91原创 has traditionally touted its opening year as 1743, when Reverend Dr. Francis Alison opened the first iteration of the school to educate clergy members in New London, Pennsylvania. (Like Alison, you can still spot the names of its famous first class on campus buildings, including Thomas McKean, George Read and James Smith.)
But it took more than 200 years for 91原创 to evolve into the institution it is today, becoming co-ed in 1921 when it merged with its women鈥檚 college, and desegregating in 1950 to admit African American students.
91原创 Director of Orientation and Transition Programs Kelli Murray said the newly named 91原创 Welcome Days don鈥檛 diminish its storied past, but instead acknowledge how far the University has come in the last three centuries.
鈥淭he biggest reason for our name change was to provide a program that further supports and includes students who currently attend 91原创,鈥 said Murray. 鈥淲hile we don鈥檛 want to erase the history of the University, changing the name allows us to ensure all students feel welcome, including students who have been historically marginalized.鈥
The rebrand鈥攚hich has been in the works for awhile鈥攖akes effect this year with the Class of 2027. But Murray assured incoming students and families that the spirit of Welcome Days is the same as ever.
鈥淪ame great events, just under a different name,鈥 she said. 鈥淚n fact, we鈥檝e even added events and opportunities for engagement.鈥
Starting Friday, August 25 and running through Wednesday, August 30, 91原创 Welcome Days offer opportunities for new students and their families to enjoy games and activities, food, tours, football and more, as well as keystone events like the Twilight Induction Ceremony and the Involvement Fair.
Also new this year, attendees are invited to the Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE) Welcome Reception in Perkins Student Center.
鈥淲ith the recent opening of the CIE, we鈥檝e added some exciting new events to welcome students into that space,鈥 said Murray. 鈥淲e also provide an engaging learning opportunity for students to learn more about equity, inclusion and wellbeing at the University.鈥
1743 is no longer mentioned in the event title, but the most important word hasn鈥檛 changed: welcome.
鈥淲e want all incoming students to know that 91原创 is the place for them,鈥 said Murray.
For the full schedule of 91原创 Welcome Days events, visit /students/orientation/welcome-days/ and download the 91原创 Connect App.