Proudly at the Fore--First-year students kick off Iowa tenure by learning what it means to be a Hawkeye

Once again, the University of Iowa welcomed incoming first-year students with On Iowa!, three days of activities geared toward supplying tips for academic success and connecting students with each other and campus.

Highlights of the Aug. 17-19 weekend included the Kickoff at Kinnick celebration at Kinnick Stadium, where more than 4,000 students interacted on the field, posed for a class photo, learned the Iowa Fight Song, and enjoyed a fireworks show timed to its tune. They also were schooled on some of Iowa’s traditions, including a lesson on the legend of Nile Kinnick.

Throughout the weekend, there were academic sessions structured around The Iowa Challenge, a set of expectations that encourages Iowa students to excel, stretch, engage, choose, and serve. On Iowa! wrapped up Sunday evening with Convocation on the Pentacrest and the President's Block Party at the home of UI President Sally Mason.

The required immersion program aims to improve retention and graduation rates by introducing students to college life and connecting them with each other. To learn more, see oniowa.uiowa.edu.

Click the thumbnail images below to get a glimpse of the festivities.

—photos by Bill Adams and Tim Schoon

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On Iowa! volunteers turned out in droves to help students move in to the residence halls.The Class of 2016 met at Kinnick Stadium for a group photo as part of the On Iowa! Kickoff at Kinnick event Friday night.Before and after the program, students could get a feel for the turf at Kinnick.T-shirt giveaways were popular with the crowd. While in "block I" formation, student leaders give a cheer for Iowa.

The Kickoff at Kinnick ended with a flash.Super Mash Bros played to a large, and loud, crowd at Hubbard Park on Saturday night.The crowd reveled until late at night.Thousands turned out on Sunday for Convocation on the Pentacrest.

A selection of faculty were on hand for the Convocation ceremony, which was shortened slightly because of rain.Students applaud during Convocation, which featured UI President Sally Mason, Provost Barry Butler, and a student representative of the Class of 2016.The best seat in the house.Students were given a graduation tassel as a reminder of why they are here at Iowa.Herky leads the crowd from the Pentacrest to the President's Residence for the annual post-Convocation block party.A large crowd braved a brief rain shower for the annual block party at the President's Residence.Free food was handed out by the plateful.

The Iowa cheerleaders and members of the Hawkeye Marching Band were on hand to entertain the crowd.Herky, who seemed to show up at nearly every On Iowa! event throughout the weekend, did not disappoint his faithful fans at the block party.

 

 

© The University of Iowa 2009