Get in the Penguin spirit at the annual “Meet the Marching Pride” celebration 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, in Stambaugh Stadium on the campus of Youngstown State University. The event that features performances by the YSU Marking Pride band is free and open to the public, although a free-will donation to support the band will be accepted and band tee shirts will also be for sale. The Marching Pride will preview the music it will perform during Penguin football games this fall.

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 9^th 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.

More than 750 students have registered for Youngstown State University’s first IGNITE, a two-day experience designed to help incoming students get acclimated to the campus. IGNITE is 1 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. Fall semester classes start Wednesday, Aug. 19. First-year students will rotate among a variety of sessions to learn about campus, relationships, academics, involvement and Penguin Pride. Students will spend time in teams led by returning YSU students, who will serve as resources and guides over the two days.