Concordia welcomes new students

Concordia's "Weekend of Welcome" for new students, part of a comprehensive orientation program at the university, took place Aug. 20-22. The weekend has three goals, according to Ronald Glenn, activities coordinator for Concordia's student life office. "We want our new students to get to know each other, get to know the Concordia community, and get to know Seward."

A block party on the courthouse lawn for Concordia's new students was added to the mix of activities last year and returned. This year, local churches and businesses cooked the food for the event and helped serve the students. The Army National Guard has joined in the festivities, providing inflatable games for event. 

The Seward Area Chamber of Commerce helped introduce Seward businesses to the new students by organizing a scavenger hunt of local businesses and offering prizes. Trolley rides to other Seward points of interest were available as well.

Orientation events on campus include meals, games and activities with groups like their freshman seminar classmates and residence hall floormates. Several informational sessions and a celebratory farewell dinner were organized for parents who made the trip to drop off their sons and daughters.

The weekend ended with a worship service at St. John Lutheran Church on Sunday to officially open the academic year and welcome new faculty, staff and students.