Opening Days 2012

Willamette University welcomed about 600 first-year undergraduate students and their families to campus for Opening Days orientation. With great enthusiasm and excitement, current students, faculty and staff introduced our newest Bearcats to life at Willamette.

Students from the class of 2016 bask in the sun during an Opening Days picnic.
New students snatch photo opportunities with Blitz the Bearcat.
Students reunite with friends during Opening Days.
President Steve Thorsett chats with first-year students and their parents during a campus picnic.
Incoming freshmen explore the Pacific Northwest through a 5-mile, round-trip hike up Angel's Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.
The Columbia River Gorge beckoned new students during Opening Days.
Braving Class 3 and 4 rapids, students went white water rafting on the White Salmon River.
Incoming Willamette students got a thrill ride by rafting the White Salmon River in the Columbia River Gorge.
Opening Days leaders welcome new students through a song and dance routine.
Opening Days leaders rev up the crowds with music and dancing.
Students in the American Studies Program help freshmen move into their residence halls.
Students browse for household supplies at the Panhellenic Council's rummage sale in Jackson Plaza.
Parents and students explore campus together during Opening Days.
Parents and incoming freshmen roam campus during Opening Days.
Bagpipers lead the annual procession of the president and the College of Liberal Arts faculty to the Opening Days convocation address.
Upper classmen welcome incoming Willamette students to campus.
During the matriculation ceremony, students place lit candles into the Mill Stream to signify the start of their journey at Willamette University.
Attending the Oregon State Fair was among many community events incoming students attended as part of Willamette's Passport to Salem program.
President Thorsett shakes hands and exchanges a few words with first-year students as they gather to participate in the matriculation ceremony.
As part of Opening Days, first-year students fanned out across Salem for service projects.
Incoming Willamette students add a new coat of stain to a wooden play structure at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village in Salem.
Community service is embraced by incoming Willamette students.
Students learn about harvesting produce at the university-owned Zena Farm, a living laboratory where students gain practical experience in everything from organic farming techniques to marketing to business management.
Incoming students volunteer at Zena Farm during the Opening Days celebration.