Freshmen Kick Off College with 'March Thru the Arch'

Hours after settling into their dorm rooms, the Northwestern Class of 2014 joined their parents for the second annual "March Thru the Arch." Led by the Northwestern University Wildcat Marching Band, the freshmen ceremoniously walked from the Arch at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Sheridan Road to Deering Meadow, where they listened to remarks from Burgwell Howard, dean of students, Morton Schapiro, university president, and Claire Lew, president of the Associated Student Government. After learning several campus traditions including the school fight song and the Alma Mater, students posed for an all-class photo. After the event, freshmen joined their peer advising groups for their first dinner in the campus dining halls followed by social activities in their dorms.

Wildcat Welcome continues through Monday, Sept. 20, when students will attend a convocation ceremony with President Schapiro. Classes begin on Tuesday, Sept. 21.