Marching into College

After spending their first night on campus, the Northwestern Class of 2016 joined their parents for the fourth annual "March Thru the Arch." The intersection of Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue was shut down to make way for a parade of freshmen in purple shirts led by the Northwestern University Wildcat Marching Band. The students walked from the Arch to Deering Meadow, cheered on by family members, peer advisers, upperclassmen, faculty and staff lining the sidewalks.

Once settled on Deering Meadow, the class heard remarks from Burgwell Howard, assistant vice president of student engagement, Morton Schapiro, University president, and Victor Shao, president of the Associated Student Government. After learning the "Go U! NU!" cheer and hearing about other campus traditions, students posed for an all-class photo. After the event, freshmen rejoined their peer advising groups to continue the Wildcat Welcome orientation activities.

Wildcat Welcome continues through Wednesday, Sept. 26. Classes begin on Thursday, Sept. 27.