By the time students were seated Friday in their first-hour classes, an air of comfort and confidence lingered over campus. Students and teachers had successfully pulled off an ambitious orientation schedule packed with activities both on and off-campus. Some were interactive. Some required listening from the Scholl Center bleachers. Others required heavy lifting.
Cramming a pinch of the many ingredients that compose the Marquette experience into four days is a complicated chore, but an all-hands-on-deck approach made it extremely rewarding. Aside from an international trip and a full Mass, the newest class of Blazers have experienced a hearty serving of the school's culture in a week's time.
On Monday, students received their iPads, met with academic advising to double-check schedules, took part in team-building exercises, and absorbed an eye-opening cybersecurity lecture from Cathie Bledsoe of the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The Class of 2025 hit the road Tuesday to tour the campus of Valparaiso University. For many, it was their first experience on a college campus. Back on campus, alumnae Kim (Morse) Luegers prepped juniors and seniors on how to make a professional presence. Luegers is a relationship manager for LinkedIn.
We welcomed a pair of guest speakers to 10th and Wabash on Wednesday. Bessie Newkirk from The Caring Place in Valparaiso spoke about the importance of forming positive relationships and resources available to those affected by domestic violence. The day wrapped up with an all-school assembly which featured anti-bullying advocate Victor Vargas.
On Thursday, over a dozen Blazers walked over to the Salvation Army location on Franklin Street to spend their morning unpacking pallets of food for the organization. The Class of 2024 took their turn visiting Valparaiso University's campus while the remaining students took part in an art exhibition with Mr. Shelton and pocket rosary-making with Mrs. Crane. Volleyball's sweep of Illiana Christian in its home opener was the cherry on top of a fun-filled Orientation.
The training wheels came off Friday as the first day of regular classes were held. As a reward for their cooperation and excellent attendance, students were treated to complimentary pizza at lunch.
"I couldn't have asked for a better first week from our students and teachers. Our faculty and staff were prepared, and I was happy to see such enthusiasm from our students. I feel this was the first week of what will be our best year yet," principal Casey Martin said.
For a full catalog of photos from our first week, visit our Facebook page.
