ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - After a summer of sleeping in, hanging out at the pool
and beach, and relaxing, it can be difficult getting back into the swing of a new
semester.
Winthrop University's DiGiorgio Student Union helps ease that transition this year with an action-packed Welcome Week line-up featuring a magician, parties, comedians and much more. Students will also
be welcomed back to campus with the annual Convocation address and picnic.
Welcome Week will run Saturday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 27. All events are $5
w/ a Winthrop ID, $7 without or free with the purchase of a DSU pass unless otherwise
noted.
The fun includes:
Cultural Explosion featuring Drums of Polynesia
Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.
Byrnes Auditorium
Cultural event.
Campus favorite Drums of Polynesia returns to Winthrop with its "fiery" performance.
Through hula dancing, fire-eating, performing the Maori Haka dance and setting up
tiki huts, Drums of Polynesia brings the excitement and awareness of the Hawaiian
culture.
BlackOUT Party
Sunday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
Richardson Ballroom
Light up the night at this epic blacklight party with high-energy music and glow-in-the-dark
accessories. Wear an all-white T-shirt for the maximum effect.
Convocation Welcome and Picnic
Monday, Aug. 21, 3:30 p.m.
Byrnes Auditorium, then proceed to the Margaret Nance lawn
Free
President Dan Mahony and local leaders will welcome new students to campus in a special
address. President Mahony and First Lady Laura Mahony will then lead the Blue Line
of students to the Convocation picnic, where there will be free food, a DJ, a station
where you can create your own street sign and cell phone flipbook, and tables from
local vendors and student organizations.
Music Night with Half the Animal
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.
Byrnes Auditorium
Alt pop band Half the Animal has thrilled audiences across the country. Members came
together in 2016 in California and have since put out the first single, "Babylon."
Wild Out Wednesday with Andy Erikson
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
Byrnes Auditorium
Cultural event.
Rising comedy star Andy Erikson blends silly one-liners with whimsical stories for
an entertaining show. She has appeared on NBC's "Last Comic Standing" and Fox's "Scream
Queens."
Masters of Magic featuring magician/illusionist Kid Ace
Thursday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m.
Byrnes Auditorium
Forget what you know when it comes to magicians because Kid Ace breaks the mold with
his unique blend of modern music and fashion with the world of illusions.
West Fest
Friday, Aug. 25, 9 p.m.
West Center
Free
Check out the West Center and enjoy food, games, giveaways, competitions and music.
Eagle Flicks: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.
Amphitheatre
$3, free with a DSU Welcome Week pass
Peter Quill and his fellow Guardians return for the second installment in this zany
Marvel Comics franchise.
Words Matter with poet Olivia Gatwood and Malik Williams
Sunday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m.
Tillman Auditorium
Olivia Gatwood has received national recognition in poetry competitions across the
nation. Winthrop student Malik Williams, winner of the 2017 "Say Word" Winthrop Poetry
Slam, will be the opening act.
For more information, contact DSU at 803/323-2299 or dsu@winthrop.edu.