The skies may have been grey at times, but the energy on Dal鈥檚 Studley Quad was anything but dull on Tiger Welcome Day this past Saturday (Aug. 30).听
The smell of barbecue and the buzz of conversation marked one of the most anticipated events of this year鈥檚 O-Week calendar as first-year students gathered for a community meal followed by a pep rally, class photo, and outdoor concert.
鈥淚 came because I didn鈥檛 want to miss out,鈥� said Sera, one first-year student. 鈥淓vents like this are how you make connections that last. I鈥檝e met some really cool people already, and it feels good knowing we鈥檙e all in this together.鈥�
Students described the vibe as friendly and welcoming, but if the atmosphere could be summed up in one word it might be 鈥渆nergized.鈥澨�
I鈥檝e met some really cool people already, and it feels good knowing we鈥檙e all in this together.
鈥淗onestly, just seeing everyone out here smiling and connecting, feeling the energy of the community,鈥� said Adira, an incoming first year, describing her favourite part of the day.听听
For many, this was the first chance to expand their circles beyond residence halls or orientation groups, and the openness of the BBQ made those introductions easier.听 鈥淸The best part was] meeting new people I wouldn鈥檛 have crossed paths with otherwise,鈥� said another student.
Capturing Dal pride
As the evening continued, the crowd shifted from the quad to Wickwire Field for a pep rally and a class photo taken from above, both new activities this year.
All together:
Annnnnnd . . .听 break:
Capturing such a photo required plenty of coordination. An AI robot provided by Athletics & Recreation painted an outline of the letters on the field, while the Student Affairs team used the field's press box audio system to direct volunteers who guided the students into place. Dal's Creative Studio then deployed a drone to capture the photo from on high.听
For many, this moment stood out as one of the day's highlights.
鈥淚t鈥檚 cool to know this picture is a part of Dal history now, and something I'm going to look back on in four years鈥� said a student named Ava.
Cheers echoed across the field during the pep rally that followed as students learned Dal鈥檚 loudest chants and were introduced to the Dal Tiger, Roary. Roary might have stolen the show, giving out hugs, high-fives, and posing for more than enough selfies to go around.
鈥淭he pep rally was the best part,鈥� beamed one first-year student. 鈥淭he energy was the best. I feel like I鈥檓 really part of the Dal community now.鈥�
Students were taught the 'Tiger Shuffle,' a unique dance set to a spliced soundtrack featuring Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger," Katy Perry's "Roar," and Charli xcx's "Von Dutch." An older Dal chant and dance, 'Rock the Boat,' was also revived during the rally.
Students learn the Tiger Shuffle.
Spirit on full display
Tiger Welcome Day wasn鈥檛 just about noise and spectacle, though. It was also about school spirit, with students decked out in black and gold repping 麻豆社 logos and sporting Dal temporary tattoos.听
鈥淚've seen some pretty good outfits,鈥� one student shared, laughing. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just fun seeing how far people go to show their pride.鈥�
Beyond the cheers and costumes, the day spoke volumes about the culture of 麻豆社.听
Getting to know Roary.
鈥淚t shows we鈥檙e a school that values togetherness,鈥� one participant remarked. 鈥淎ll of O-week made me feel included, like I鈥檓 not just here to study but to be part of a community.鈥�
Whether through food, cheers or laughter, the day鈥檚 events reminded Dal鈥檚 newest students that university a lot more than just good grades.听听
In the words of one participant, 鈥淥-Week isn鈥檛 just another event; it鈥檚 where everything really starts.鈥�
