SIUE Reverse Parade Brings Cheer and Encouragement Ahead of Fall Semester
With banners flying, horns honking and joyful shouts of greetings and well wishes, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students were welcomed to campus during a Reverse Parade held Sunday, Aug. 23 on the eve before fall classes.
Nearly 35 vehicles filled with SIUE administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members lined up for the creative greeting. The parade route took participants past each of the University’s four residence halls and through each side of Courage Village. Residents peered out of their windows or stood outside with masks on to view the parade.
“We typically have many different opportunities to gather in person to show our students we are excited they’re here,” said Domonique Crosby, assistant director of Residence Life. “We wanted to find a way to allow our community to welcome new students into the Cougar family and welcome back our returning students. The Reverse Parade was an opportunity to show students that despite things being different this year, we are thrilled to have them on campus, and ready to kick off a great year!”
The Reverse Parade also wrapped up the SIUE Experience, an extended orientation program designed to help new students navigate the process of transitioning to the campus community. More than 800 first-year students participated in events that helped them embrace new traditions and build friendships with campus community members both in-person and virtually.
“With many of the SIUE Experience events held virtually to allow participation from students living locally and at a further distance, it was nice to add some new traditions this year like the Reverse Parade, Drive-in Movie Nights and many more activities,” said Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Miriam Roccia.
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) has a slate of Cougar Welcome activities being held during the first week of classes, Aug. 24-28. Activities include a virtual gaming night, caricatures being drawn via Zoom, an ice cream social and a Netflix trivia party.
Photos: Nearly 35 vehicles filled with SIUE administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members participated in SIUE’s Reverse Parade, which offered a safe and creative way to welcome students to campus.
A furry friend joined in the fun of SIUE’s Reverse Parade, bringing smiles to new students.
SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD, gathers with a group of students as they prepare to greet new students during the SIUE Reverse Parade.
