Family Weekend
Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome (WoW) at Elmhurst College is a series of activities and events designed to provide new and returning students with opportunities to get involved and meet other students. It starts during your first weekend on campus and goes through the beginning of October.
The WoW schedule for Fall Term 2012 will be announced in late February or early March. In the meantime, check out last year's WoW schedule below to see the variety of events!
Monday, August 29
Opening Prayers for the College Community, 12:00 p.m., Chapel
Wednesday, August 31–Thursday, September 1
Beyond the Wall Poster Sale, TIME TBD, LOCATION TBD
Wednesday, August 31
Weekly Communion, 12:00-12:20 p.m., Prayer Chapel
Thursday, September 1
Multicultural BBQ, 3:00–6:00 p.m., Frick Center Patio
Taste of Elmhurst, 3:00–6:00 p.m., Tent
Food, fun, raffles and entertainment! Get a taste of all that the College and city have to offer. Learn how to join student organizations, get information about campus resources, and learn about the services of local businesses and restaurants. Stay home at Elmhurst for Labor Day Weekend.
Chill at the Mill Theatre Open House, 4:00-6:00pm, Mill Theatre
Friday, September 2
SGA Community Dinner, 5:00–6:30 p.m., Tent
Get PHIRED UP for College, 7:00 p.m., Chapel
Discover the key to having a meaningful, engaged, memorable collegiate experience!
Movie, 8:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Watch the latest movie on campus—popcorn included!
Saturday, September 3
BIG Concert, 7:00 p.m., Chapel (tickets will be available at the Frick Center Information Desk)
Sunday, September 4
A Gathering of the Spirit, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., LOCATION TBD
Our life together on campus with food and music and time for reflections on our spiritual and religious life.
Monday, September 5
Carnival Extravaganza hosted by Residence Life and Residence Hall Association (RHA), 4:00-6:00 p.m.
This event will include food, an inflatable obstacle course, and games!
Tuesday, September 6
Create Your Own Hot Dog with the President and His Cabinet, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Patio (Rain site: Founders Lounge)
Spiritual Life Council Bonfire, 8:00 p.m., Mall
Wednesday, September 7
Weekly Communion, 12:00-12:20 p.m., Prayer Chapel
Thursday, September 8
All Athletics Service, 11:30 a.m., Chapel
Miss Independent: A Guide to Achivieving Success in College, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Chaplain’s Home (behind Schick Hall)
We are looking forward to welcoming you and sharing tips from current students, faculty, and staff about starting your experience at Elmhurst!
al-Ghazali Lecture, 7:00 p.m., Chapel
Presenting the al-Ghazali Lecture, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri will speak about Islam's core values that have been betrayed by Muslim extremists and vilified by mainstream media. As the founder of Minhaj University and Minhaj ul-Quran (an international welfare, human rights, and educational institution) Dr. Tahir ul-Qadri recently has published a broadly acclaimed fatwa against terrorism in which he argues that it is a criminal act that violates international law, human rights and Islam.
Jim Wand the Hypnotist, 8:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Jim Wand has been involved in the field of hypnosis for more than 25 years and is considered to be one of the most professional hypnotic entertainers in the world today (hypnotism.com).
Friday, September 9
Memorial Moment: 10 Year Anniversary of September 11, 11:00 a.m., Chapel
Friday, September 9–Saturday, September 10
Honors Program New Member Retreat, Off Campus
Questions? Contact Mary Kay Mulvaney.
Saturday, September 10
Bluejays Care Service Project, TIME TBD, sign up at the Office of Student Activities (Frick Center 220)
Monday, September 12
Drive-In Movie, 8:00–10:00 p.m., Mall
Grab a blanket/towel and watch a movie under the stars! Popcorn included. Sponsored by Fraternity/Sorority Life and your Elmhurst College Student Activity Fee.
Monday, September 12–Friday, September 16
Fraternity Recruitment
Greek life offers you the chance to meet people who share your interests and values. Greek life will help you find your niche on campus, be your home away from home, offer resources to help you achieve your academic goals, encourage you to get involved in campus organizations, and give you a group of friends that will cheer you on when you're successful and support you when the going gets tough. For details visit ElmhurstCollegeGreekLife.com.
Tuesday, September 13
Study Away Fair, 11:00 a.m., Founders
Catholic Mass, 11:30 a.m., Chapel
Friday, September 16
Sophomore Success Workshop, 2:30-8:00pm, Alexander, sign up at the Office of Student Affairs (Frick Center 240) or email dnovak@elmhurst.edu
Friday, September 16–Saturday, September 17
Intercultural Retreat, Off Campus, sign up at the Office of Student Activities Office (Frick Center, 220)
Choir Retreat for Students in the Concert Choir, Off Campus
Questions? Contact Sue Moninger.
Saturday, September 17
The Asia Project, 8:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Award-winning slam poet, cancer survivor (theasiaproject.com)
Sunday, September 18
Chasing Authentic Success, 2:00 p.m., Chapel
Corey Ciocchetti encourages people of all ages to chase the truly important things in life such as a solid character, strong personal relationships and a sense of contentment. These “real rabbits” are compared and contrasted to worldly types of success such as excessive wealth, popularity and prestige. Audiences leave with a better sense of what it takes to develop character, set priorities and gain a big-picture perspective. Sponsored by Fraternity/Sorority Life and your Elmhurst College Student Activity Fee. National Hazing Prevention Week kickoff speaker.
Monday, September 19
Interfaith Dinner with President Ray and Rabbi Mikva of Chicago Theological Seminary, 5:00 p.m., Location TBD
Preston Pugmire Concert and Welcome Back BBQ, 5:00 p.m., College Mall
Beats, guitars, bass, vocals. Pugmire records everything live with electronic floor pedals creating an entire song from scratch (prestonpugmire.com). Enjoy free food and entertainment, and meet members of Union Board and Fraternity/Sorority Life.
Tuesday, September 20
Evangelical Christian Service, 11:30 a.m., Chapel
Cultural Café: Conversations that Matter: Interracial Dating, 5:00–6:00 p.m., Frick Center, Bryan Room
Wednesday, September 21
Weekly Communion, 12:00-12:20 p.m., Prayer Chapel
Dear Lisa, 7:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Tom Santoro speaks on dating violence awareness and education in his program called "Dear Lisa." "Dear Lisa" tells the story of what happened to Lisa Santoro and is designed to encourage students to recognize patterns of abuse, escalation and incidents in dangerous relationships. Tom facilitates a discussion about domestic and dating violence that allows students to share their thoughts and explore their perceptions of the issue. He provides a clear explanation about the different forms of abuse that can take place between dating couples and helps to bring this topic out of the shadows to elevate awareness.
Friday, September 23
Anglican Arch-Bishop of the Sudan, African Communion, 12:00pm, Chapel
Friday, September 23– Sunday, September 25
Sorority Formal Recruitment
Greek life offers you the chance to meet people who share your interests and values. Greek life will help you find your niche on campus, be your home away from home, offer resources to help you achieve your academic goals, encourage you to get involved in campus organizations, and give you a group of friends that will cheer you on when you're successful and support you when the going gets tough. For details, visit ElmhurstCollegeGreekLife.com.
Saturday, September 24
Chicago Excursion (tickets will be available at the Frick Center Information Desk)
Spend the day in Chicago with free transportation. Ride the Metra train from Elmhurst Station to Ogilvie Transportation Center.
Tuesday, September 27
Will Keim, Keys to Success in College and Life, 4:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Dr. Keim inspires students to become Response Able and make life giving and empowering choices in areas which include scholarship, community service, peacemaking, character driven decision making, substance abuse resistance and education, parental relations, success training fo rlife and other important areas.
Spiritual Journey of Mark Draper, Assoicate Director of teh Niebuhr Center, 7:30 p.m., Chaplain's Home (behind Schick Hall)
Wednesday, September 28
Weekly Communication, 12:00-12:20 p.m., Prayer Chapel
Friday, September 30
Jon Meacham presents the Niebuhr Forum Lecture, 7:00 p.m., Chapel
A noted public intellectual and former editor of Newsweek, Jon Meacham is a best-selling author whose 2009 biography of Andrew Jackson, American Lion, earned the Pulitzer Prize. Currently executive editor and vice president at Random House, Meacham has served as a panelist for On Faith, The Washington Post’s online forum on religion and politics. Meacham will present, "The Content of Our Character: Race, Politics, Religion and Culture and How Traditions Unite and Divide Us."
Saturday, October 1
UCC Confirmation Day, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Alexander Room of Frick Center
Movie Showing, 8:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Watch the latest movie on campus! Popcorn included.
Sunday, October 2
Crop Walk, 12:30-5:00 p.m., Front of Chapel
Monday, October 3
Mexican Fine Arts Museum Field Trip, 12:00–4:00 p.m., depart from Frick Center
Mexican Mariachi Band Performance, 7:00 p.m., Frick Center
Tuesday, October 4
Greek Life: A Modern Family, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Founders Lounge
Watch episodes of the TV show Modern Family and learn how Elmhurst fraternities and sororities break cookie-cutter stereotypes and provide a place of connection and family for any student. In collaboration with the Frick Center and Commuter Student Services for Commuter Appreciation Week (October 3–6).
Personality Type and First-Year Students, 4:30–6:00 p.m., North Alexander, RSVP to dnovak@elmhurst.edu
Interested in learning about who you are, your personality, and how that affects your success? The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality inventory that helps you understand your preferences for interacting with others and the world around you. Students will take the MBTI prior to the program and use the results to engage in activities to learn more about themselves in order to be more effective inside and outside of the classroom.
Hispanic Heritage Movie, 7:00 p.m., Blume Board Room
Wednesday, October 5
Trip to Café Ba-ba-re-ba (Spanish tapas restaurant), 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., depart from Frick Center
Commuter Ice Cream Drive-Thru, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Founders Lounge
Take some time out of your busy day to meet other students living off campus and build your own sundae or have some coffee. In collaboration with the Frick Center and Commuter Student Services for Commuter Appreciation Week (October 3-6).
Weekly Communion, 12:00-12:20 p.m., Prayer Chapel
Spanish Flamenco Performance, 7:00 p.m., Buick Recital Hall in Irion Hall
Thursday, October 6
Colombian Restaurant Field Trip, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., depart from Frick Center
Quest Lecture with Dr. Paul Anastas, 7:00 p.m., Chapel
In 1991, Paul Anastas coined the term “green chemistry” and launched a movement toward the manufacture and use of environmentally friendly chemicals. Today, green chemistry has entered the mainstream, and Dr. Anastas has received worldwide recognition for his contributions to science and sustainability. A leader of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development, Dr. Anastas serves on the faculty at Yale University, where he is director of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering.
Thursday, October 6-Sunday, October 9
The Country Wife; Thursday–Saturday at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 2:00 p.m.; Mill Theatre, Ticket Information: General Admission: $7.00; Seniors/Faculty/Staff: $6.00; Students: $5.00
Long before the racy antics of “real housewives” and the steamy editing of reality TV shows, Wycherley’s riotous play dealt with all manner of racy, comic, and bawdy situations–
in the terminology of the day, of “country matters.” The double entendre of the 1675 title was clear to its audience: productions of the play in 18th and 19th centuries were severely edited for content. This saucy satire takes no prisoners as it laughs at societal mores, scandals, sex, and the manners of both women and men.–Long before the racy antics of “real housewives” and the steamy editing of reality TV shows, Wycherley’s riotous play dealt with all manner of racy, comic, and bawdy situations
Tuesday, October 11–Saturday, October 15
Homecoming Week Activities
From current students to alumni, this week is packed of activities and competitions that allow all to showcase their College pride.
Tuesday, October 11
National Coming Out Day, TIME TBD, Frick Center Front Lawn/Kranz Forum
An internationally observed civil awareness day for coming out and celebration of the LGBTQ community.
Illuminae with Dr. Mille rof DuPage AME Zion Church, 11:30 a.m., Chapel
Panel discussion about he naming of the LGBT guestship in honor of an Elmhurst alumnus who is also the first person to be ordained who is openly gay, TIME TBD, Location TBD
Wednesday, October 12
Weekly Communication, 12:00-12:20 p.m, Prayer Chapel
Johnson Guestship: Celluoid Activist and Gay Hero Vito Russo, 4:00 pm., Founders
Michael Schiavi is the author of Celluloid Activist: The Life and Times of Vito Russo, a biography of the prominent AIDS activist who was one of the LGBT community’s significant cultural figures in the 1970s and ’80s. An associate professor of English at the New York Institute of Technology, Dr. Schiavi will speak about Russo’s life and impact on the LGBT community in his talk, "Vito Russo: Celluloid Activist and Gay Hero." The is the first William R. Guestship Lecture, which continues the College's tradition of engagement of LGBT issues.
Thursday, October 13
Buidling the Sukkoth for the Jewish Holiday, 11:30am, By the Niebuhr Statue
Spiritual Journey of a US Ambassador, 7:30pm, Chaplain's Home (Behind Schick Hall)
Thursday, October 13-Saturday, October 15
The Country Wife; Thursday–Saturday at 8:00 p.m.; Mill Theatre, Ticket Information: General Admission: $7.00; Seniors/Faculty/Staff: $6.00; Students: $5.00
Long before the racy antics of “real housewives” and the steamy editing of reality TV shows, Wycherley’s riotous play dealt with all manner of racy, comic, and bawdy situations–
in the terminology of the day, of “country matters.” The double entendre of the 1675 title was clear to its audience: productions of the play in 18th and 19th centuries were severely edited for content. This saucy satire takes no prisoners as it laughs at societal mores, scandals, sex, and the manners of both women and men.–Long before the racy antics of “real housewives” and the steamy editing of reality TV shows, Wycherley’s riotous play dealt with all manner of racy, comic, and bawdy situations.
Saturday, October 15
Bluejays Care Service Project, TIME TBD, sign up at the Office of Student Activities (Frick Center 220)
Monday, October 17
Niebuhr Center Dinner and Dialogue, 4:30 p.m., President's Dinner and Dialogue
Tuesday, October 18
Health Professions Fair, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Friday, October 21
Cultural Café: Conversations that Matter: Spoken Word Jam, 7:00–10:00 p.m., Bluejays Roost
Tuesday, October 25
Illuminae with Rev. Denny beach, Lutheran Co-Chaplain, 11:30 a.m., Chapel
When the Gays Move into Mr. Roger's Neighborhood by Joe Bertolino and Bil Leipold, 4:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Joe and Bill explore the realities and human dimension of living in a world of heterosexual privilege. Drawing from their own lives, their experiences as fraternity men and student affairs professionals, their family experiences, and the dynamics of their own relationships, Joe and Bil present this difficult topic in a non-threatening, humorous way.
Thursday, October 27
Haunted House Excursion (tickets will be available at the Frick Center Information Desk)
Visit a Chicagoland haunted attraction and experience paranormal activity firsthand.
Monday, October 31
Elmhurst Trick or Treat, TIME TBD, LOCATION TBD
Dress up for Halloween and receive treats and candy from staff and faculty around campus. Pick up a map from the Frick Center Information Desk.
Friday, November 4
York Theatre Movie Showing (tickets will be available at the Frick Center Information Desk)
Experience downtown Elmhurst at a beautifully restored vintage movie theatre.
Saturday, November 5
Trip to Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, TIME TBD, sign up at the Office of Student Activities (Frick Center 220)
Monday, November 7–Thursday, November 10
Boxes and Walls, TIME TBD, Alexander
Boxes and Walls is a self-guided, interactive social justice museum which highlights themes of oppression throughout the world. The goal is to encourage participants to step outside of the box in which they are comfortable and work to break down the walls of misunderstanding and discrimination.
Monday, November 7–Saturday, November 12
Homemade In the Café
Share your favorite family recipes and have them showcased for your Elmhurst family during meals in the Café. Drop off your recipes at the Frick Center Information Desk by October 21.
Monday, November 7
Niebuhr Dinner and Dialogue, 4:30pm, President's Dining Room
Tuesday, November 8
Make Your First Impression Your Best Impression, 4:30 p.m., North Alexander, RSVP to dnovak@elmhurst.edu
Facilitated by Anna Wildermuth, founder of Personal Images, Inc., a recognized leader in the image industry and author of Change One Thing will offer information about: Achieving professional presence, Sending the right message, Visual and verbal impact, and looking good on a budget.
Friday, November 11-Saturday, November 12: Family Weekend
Friday, November 11
Board Game Olympics, 6:00–10:00 p.m., Bluejays' Roost
Wii video games, pool, foosball, cards, board games and appetizers/beverages.
Saturday, November 12
Tail Feather Fest, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Alexander Parking Lot
Show your Bluejay pride during this pre-football game festival. Enjoy free snacks, activities and music. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your picture taken with Victor E. Blue Jay! Presented in collaboration with Family Weekend.
Saturday, November 12
Bluejays Care Service Project, TIME TBD, sign up at the Office of Student Activities (Frick Center 220)
Saturday, November 12
Casino Night, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Founder Lounge
Try your hand at our family friendly casino! Students and families can spend the night playing black jack, poker, craps, spinning the roulette wheel, or hanging out in the BINGO room. All ages are welcome. Your favorite faculty and staff members are on hand to deal out more than grades tonight! Casino Night goes from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6.
Monday, November 14
World Matters Video Series: Bridging the Divide, 4:30-6:00 p.m., Blume Board Room
Friday, November 18
Second City Excursion (tickets will be available at the Frick Center Information Desk)
Travel to Chicago and enjoy a night of laughter with improvised sketch comedy (secondcity.com).
Monday, November 21
Turkey Bowl, 4:00–7:00 p.m., College Mall
Get a team together for a game of backyard flag football or stop by and attempt human bowling.
Thursday, December 1
World AIDS Day: Day Without Art and Movie Showing, 8:00 p.m., Founders Lounge
Learn more about how to raise awareness to tackle HIV prejudice and help stop the spread of HIV (worldaidsday.org).
Friday, December 2
Activist in Action: Japanese Cultural Center, 1:00-4:00 p.m., sign up at the Office of Student Activities (Frick Center 220)
Saturday, December 3
Chicago Excursion (tickets will be available at the Frick Center Information Desk)
Spend the day in Chicago with free transportation. Ride the Metra train from Elmhurst Station to Ogilvie Transportation Center. Enjoy all that Chicago has to offer during the holiday season.
Wednesday, December 7
Stress-Free Day, 12:00-3:00 p.m., Alexander Room
Reduce stress before finals with an oxygen bar, massages, therapy dogs and healthy snacks.
Saturday, December 10
Bluejays Care Service Project, TIME TBD, sign up at the Office of Student Activities (Frick Center 220)
*For information that indicates TBD (To Be Determined), please go to Student Activities or contact Desiree C. Novak at dnovak@elmhurst.edu.
Events Sponsored By:
- Campus Security
- Chaplain’s Office
- Chartwells
- Fraternity/Sorority Life
- Frick Center
- Greek Life
- Hablamos
- Intercultural Student Affairs
- Leadership, Service and Engagement
- Office of Communications and Public Affairs
- Residence Hall Association (RHA)
- Residence Life
- Spiritual Life Council (SLC)
- Student Activities
- Student Government Association
- Student Success
- Union Board
