2024 Columbia College Welcome Week catalyzes campus with ‘electric’ energy

Energy and excitement were on full display during Columbia College’s 2024 Welcome Week as new students joined the Cougar community and prepared for the start of the new academic year Monday.

Five straight days of activities facilitated by Student Affairs culminated in the popular Storm the Gate tradition Sunday evening ahead of the first day of classes.

During Storm the Gate, hundreds of new students symbolically entered the college and a new chapter in their lives as they ran together through the historic Rogers Gate onto Bass Commons. Returning students, faculty, staff and community members assembled along the route to cheer for the newcomers before everyone enjoyed cups of Andy’s Frozen Custard, a longtime sponsor of the event.

“This has been one of the best Welcome Weeks we have ever had," said Dr. Dave Roberts, associate vice president for Student Experience and dean of students. "We have had major participation from the freshman class in a huge way. Tonight is a great example of our community coming out to support our Cougars here. The energy was just vibrant and electric."

Approximately 850 students are enrolled in Columbia College’s day program for the fall 2024 semester, including more than 360 who are living on main campus in Columbia. They are among the approximately 8,700 Columbia College students nationwide who began classes this week for the 2024-25 academic year, including from more than 20 locations across the country and in the online program.

New and returning students moved into residence halls Aug. 21 with support from their families and college staff members. Columbia College President Dr. David Russell and Provost Dr. Sandra Hamar joined all three academic deans in providing water bottles throughout the process. Move-In Day was capped by a Family Farewell on the quad featuring sno cones from VooDoo Sno.

Freshman Sydney Turner of O’Fallon moved into Hughes Hall and said she has felt “comfortable and safe” moving into her home away from home.

“Welcome Week has been really good," Turner said, who will study human resource management. "I was nervous coming in because I didn’t have any friends here, but all the students who were here already have been super welcoming and it’s been a great way to meet a lot of new friends."

New students came to Atkins-Holman Student Commons to pick up necessities Aug. 22 for the year ahead, followed by "Your Legacy Starts Here" at the Southwell Complex, where they heard from Student Affairs staff and college leadership and also participated in icebreakers. A wellness fair was held Aug. 23 before an outing to downtown Columbia restaurants.

The weekend included events such as Cougars on the Quad, Cougars & Coffee at Acola Coffee Company, a "Good Burger" movie night in New Hall Event Space, classroom tours, and a barbeque at Dulany Dining Hall before Storm the Gate.

Rain throughout the day Saturday was not enough to dampen the spirit of the annual Couch Wars, a photo scavenger hunt around campus.

"I thought the Couch Wars was probably the coolest event," said freshman Jaden Kuntz, a biology major from Hallsville. "Just carrying around an inflatable couch and throwing it everywhere to take pictures, that was a definitely a unique experience. Knowing that every time I put the couch down it got more wet and I got more soaked, it was even more fun that way."

Kuntz and Turner credited the team of first-year mentors and resident assistants with creating an inclusive atmosphere for new students.

"This week has been amazing," Kuntz said, who moved into New Hall. "The FYMs are great, my RAs are great, and it has been a really good experience."

Nick Hunkins, a sophomore from Pacific, serves as an FYM and said he was encouraged by the high level of participation during Welcome Week from freshmen and transfer students.

"We’re trying to promote that being a student on campus here is more than just going to classes and sleeping in a dorm," Hunkins said. “You get to meet people, have some fun, and it’s OK to stay up a little late sometimes. It’s enjoyable to have that freedom.”

Hunkins, a communications major, said he decided to attend CC after making a few campus visits.

“And it’s not just the college, I love the town,” he said of Columbia.

Junior Glory Nkwocha of Jefferson City is an FYM for the second-straight year. She raved about the incoming class' enthusiasm and desire to learn.

"Our new students are very enthusiastic," Nkwocha said, who is pursuing a degree in nursing. "They don’t seem like they're freshmen. They're ready to learn but also really eager to make new friends and learn about Columbia College and learn about Columbia as a whole."

Nkwocha has shown new students the ropes like her FYM did for her at the start of her Columbia College journey.

"Columbia College has felt like a home for the past two years of my college experience and college life," she said. "I really love the campus and the family vibes."

Roberts said he was pleased by the leadership of the FYMs, RAs and TRiO Student Support Services mentors.

More: Security delays, cellphone and bus changes: How Columbia's first day of school went

"I've been really impressed by our student leaders," Roberts said. "They've all shown up in droves and really worked hard. It’s been an exciting kickoff to the year, and we’ve shown our new students they are supported and they belong at Columbia College."

Turner, entering her freshman year, said she has loved the close-knit atmosphere and the college's easily navigable campus. After the fun of Welcome Week, the attention now turns to the classroom.

"I want to be able to ask questions and know my professors have my best interests at heart," Turner said. "I have really found that here. I am excited."

More: Students, families brave storms for Mizzou move-in day

Kevin Graeler is a strategic communications specialist for Columbia College and former editor of the Columbia Tribune. This story had light edits for style.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia College Storm the Gate event kicks off 2024 academic year