‘You are all Wildcats now’

Cheered on by family, friends and members of the University community, new and transfer students showed off their Purple Pride today during March Through the Arch.

On a sunny morning, more than 2,000 students in purple T-shirts took the first steps in their Northwestern careers, under the arch and along the path to Deering Meadow as part of the Wildcat Welcome tradition. 

Speaking of first steps, President Michael Schill can relate, having officially taken the helm yesterday as the University’s new leader.

“You are all Wildcats now,” President Schill said to the crowd of students. “You now belong fully to a great, global family of people connected to Northwestern who care for one another and who bring out the best in one another.” 

> Related: Thousands of new students join the Northwestern community this week. These are some of their stories.

March Through the Arch is one of a series of events on the weeklong Wildcat Welcome agenda, as new students spend the next several days learning the campus, registering for classes and making new friends.

“Over your time here at Northwestern, you will be inspired by world-class scholars, filled with memorable experiences, nourished by friendships that will last a lifetime and prepared to make a significant contribution to your community and society,” said President Schill, who launched his own Instagram account this week.

Other early Wildcat Welcome highlights have included the fun and games of First Night, parent and family orientation and the annual class photo on the lakefront.

“Living on my own is a little intimidating at first, but there’s an amazing support system here,” said new student Roieda Han, who will major in theater in the School of Communication. 

Wildcat Welcome activities continue into next week, leading into the first day of classes on Tuesday, Sept. 20.