Welcome Events Planned for Students’ Return
August 9, 2021
This August, the Bears are back to school in a big way. There are many on-campus events planned, and UNC has partnered with Greeley to paint the town blue and gold, with “This is Bear Country” signs appearing in yards and at businesses throughout the area.
Greeley has also connected with students on its new “My Greeley, A Story Best Lived” campaign which focuses on living and experiencing Greeley through education, agriculture, entertainment, arts and culture, and history.
As part of that campaign, UNC student and artist Kalika Browder was selected to create an interactive mural representing the different activities, cultures and experiences of people who live in Greeley. She created “Take a Walk in My Shoes” to not only illustrate that people in Greeley come from all walks of life, but to encourage people to step onto the mural and take a photo of their own shoes – and to share their own story when they post the photo on social media.
Students are invited to come to Greeley’s Friday Fest on August 27 for live music and a photo booth. An additional UNC night at Friday Fest will be hosted September 17 prior to the first home football game. The city is also working on adding pole banners and other blue and gold decorations to give students a warm welcome.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome UNC students back! We missed them and can't wait to see them back downtown,” says Bianca Fisher, a 2007 UNC Human Services grad and executive director of Greeley’s Downtown Development Authority. Adding that she’d want students to know how much there is to do downtown, she says, “Not only have we got the best local spots for food and drink, you can also throw axes, play pinball, catch a movie, go ice skating, play board games, do yoga, enjoy live music, test your trivia skills and so much more. Downtown Greeley is the place to be!”
On campus, Move-In Day is August 19, and throughout the day students will have opportunities to learn about getting around Greeley. They can take a move-in break with lunch at the Food Truck Rally, then join the UNC community at the annual UNC Convocation – the official launch of the academic year (parents are invited to attend as well). Other August 19 events include Taste of UNC, Bear Fest Carnival and DJ, and Drag Queen Bingo.
On Friday, students can start things off with “Flippin Flapjacks with President Feinstein,” with Andy and members of UNC faculty, staff and administration feeding the Bears and getting them off to a good start for the day. Then it’s off to college welcome events, a class photo, Bystander Engagement, Awareness and Responsibility (B.E.A.R.) sessions, and Rec Fest.
Our DEN conversations (exploring the meaning of identity) and Wellness Workshops will be offered throughout the day on August 21, capped off with Northern at Night – a giant block party with fun activities and food.
Rounding out the weekend there’s a Student Involvement Fair to help students get to know student organizations, followed by classroom tours (and a chance to find classrooms before the big day) and Michener Game Night at the library.
“Students will be back on campus in just a little over a week, and we can’t wait to welcome them home,” says Vice President for University Advancement Allie Steg Haskett ’03. “It’s been a collaborative effort between UNC and the Greeley community. We’ve got so much planned to kick off the semester, and like so many UNC faculty and staff, I’m looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm our Bears bring to campus and community.”
— Photo courtesy of City of Greeley
