Senior Tori Neason remembers many special moments from her own Celebration Weekend, but what stands out the most are the people she met.
“Even in that short period of time, I could feel that sense of community,” said Neason, a political science and educational studies major. “By the end of the weekend, I could see myself in the classroom, talking to professors, and living on campus in the residence halls. You can’t get that from a brochure or a website. You have to be here.”
Neason is one of 200 Celebration Weekend student volunteers who will welcome to Washington University in St. Louis about 600 admitted students, plus their family members, Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12. Visitors will have an opportunity to tour campus; meet current students and faculty; learn about research and academic opportunities; and enjoy performances from a variety of multicultural groups. Other activities include “Bear Blastoff,” presented by the First Year Center, and the Celebration Weekend welcome dinner. Celebration Weekend also offers visiting students plenty of time just to get to know each other.
“Our current students make Washington University what it is,” said Julia Martin, senior assistant director of admissions. “Giving our admitted students the opportunity to meet a variety of current students is the best way to introduce them to all we have to offer. Many of them tell us that those interactions really make a difference.”
Director of Admissions Julie Shimabukuro said many participants are visiting WUSTL for their first time, and — more importantly — their last before selecting a college.
“Many students tell us that they cannot find our special combination of academics, students and faculty at other places, especially one that’s so welcoming,” Shimabukuro said. “They can see themselves here. That’s what Celebration Weekend is about — students can see all that Washington University has to offer and the different ways that they can contribute to our community. It’s going to be their ‘home’ for the next four years.”