Puppies to karaoke: Penguin Paradise Welcome Week opens 2015-16 academic year
Youngstown State University opens the 2015-16 academic year with Penguin Paradise Welcome Week, featuring 18 days of activities ranging from outdoor movies and caricature artists to puppies and karaoke. Welcome Week events run Saturday, Aug. 15 to Tuesday, Sept. 1. Fall semester classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 19. One of the major events is the 9th annual Block Party at Kilcawley Center, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, in the Chestnut Room. Last year’s event attracted 1,500 students. This year’s party, with the theme “Aloha Welcome!”, features 40 informational booths about student services on campus and free food from Chartwells Dining, AVI Food Services, and Pepsi. A live karaoke band will perform. For more information, call 330-941-3571. Full list of activities. Among other events: Monday, Aug. 17, Outdoor Summer Movie Series: Unbroken, 8:30 p.m. at the Covelli Centre Front Lawn. Thursday, Aug. 20, Student Organizational Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Campus Core. For more information, contact Student Activities at 330-941-3575. Friday, Aug. 21, Xtreme Trampoline X2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., next to University Plaza, between Sweeney Hall and Kilcawley House. For more information, contact Housing & Residence Life at 330-941-3547. Monday, Aug. 24, Puppy Palooza, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Studies have shown that petting dogs can reduce stress. For more information, contact Anna Pompeo at avpompeo@student.ysu.edu. Thursday, Aug. 27, #YSU Downtown, All Day!, in downtown Youngstown. Activities include the B&O Night Market from 5 to 8 p.m., walking tour, student discounts at Joe Maxx, Avalon Downtown, One Hot Cookie, Martini Brothers Burger Bar, or O’Donold’s. Zella Day performs in the evening at Suzie’s Dogs & Drafts. Sunday, Aug. 30, Panerathon, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Covelli Centre. The 10K / 2 Mile Walk / Run benefits the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. For more information, visit www.panerathon.org. Monday, Aug. 31. Harry Potters World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kilcawley Center. The exhibit from the National Library of Medicine incorporates the work of several 15th and 16th century thinkers and examines important ethical topics such as the desire for knowledge, the effects of prejudice, and the responsibility that comes with power. For more information, call 330-941-3487. Tuesday, Sept. 1, YSU Day, 1 to 2 p.m., Campus Core. The university officially joined the Ohio system of higher education as Youngstown State University on September 1, 1967. Wear YSU attire and show Penguin pride. Post pictures of your favorite Penguin on campus using the hashtag #YSUDay2k15 to be entered into drawings for prize giveaways. Free pizza for anyone in YSU attire.