The first week of the fall semester was “Welcome Week” and “Pioneer Spirit Week,” sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Institutional Advancement.
Activities were scheduled to not only provide fun activities for the new and returning students to get to know one another, but also to build school spirit on campus at the start of the fall athletic season.
On Monday, students and staff received a 20 percent discount on their purchases of Tusculum gear at the College Bookstore.
Tuesday’s focus was on decorating, as students, faculty and staff could pick up free “Pioneer Spirit” yard signs from the Office of Institutional Advancement as well as a free soft drink or water to refresh them after their climb to the third floor of McCormick Hall.
Competition was in the air on Wednesday as a scavenger hunt resulted in teams scurrying across campus in search of primarily Tusculum-related items. Several teams of students, one staff team and one student who faced the challenge solo were given the task of finding 25 items in a 30-minute time period. Most were able to find such items as Tusculum pens, apparel and promotional materials and even a yearbook, but orange nail polish, a banana and a $2 bill proved much more difficult. The teams were graciously given assistance by many departments and offices on campus as well as the Tusculum College Bookstore. The winners were Nick Atkins, a freshman from Hixon, Tenn., and Vinton Copeland a sophomore political science major from LaGrange, Ga., who found 22 of the 25 items. Each received a $20 gift certificate to the Bookstore as their prize.
“Taste of Tusculum,” on Wednesday evening provided students with an opportunity to learn about various organizations and activities available on campus. Organizations and clubs set up informational displays that were joined by tables with samples of cuisine from local restaurants. The pizza and coffee shop tables proved popular.
On Thursday, students, faculty and staff had another opportunity for a treat for their taste buds. More than 130 people enjoyed the Ice Cream Social held at the Niswonger Commons. Staff members from the Office of Institutional Advancement served up chocolate, vanilla and strawberry swirl ice cream along with toppings, nuts and whipped cream. That evening offered the Bikini Tops and Flip Flops Student Pool Party in the Pioneer Pool.
Black and orange were the colors of the day as students, faculty and staff wore their favorite Tusculum apparel. Student Affairs’ Fast Break Friday gave students the chance to make their own Pioneer Spirit items for the football team’s home opener on August 28. On Friday night, students enjoyed the movie, “Hot Tub Time Machine” during Screen on the Green in the Library Bowl.
A student tailgate was held on Saturday near the football stadium, and the students helped cheer on the Pioneers to victory over the University of Charleston (W. Va.). The game also saw the debut of the Pioneer Pep Band this semester.
