Welcome Week highlights: historical drama, clothing drive, game show, painting, and more

The Williams Center Multipurpose Room will be the place to be during Welcome Week, chock-full with a film screening, a stitch together a blanket and clothing drive, a to-be-determined game show, painting and a food-themed version of bingo.

All events begin at 7 p.m. and are free and open to students. Student attendees should have their FRED card for check-in at all events. For more information, click here.

The historical drama “Selma,” which chronicles the 1965 civil rights march that was led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and resulted in passage of the Voting Rights Act, will be shown on Monday, Jan. 22. The director of the critically acclaimed movie, Ava DuVernay, became the first African American woman to receive a Golden Globe nomination for best director. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for best picture. 

I’m always most excited about Grocery Bingo. It’s been a favorite among students for years; you can win anything from laundry detergent to mac and cheese to build your own pasta.” – Rachel Martin

The SUNY Fredonia Presidential Commission for the Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is hosting and sponsoring the “Selma” screening. Members of the campus and community are welcome to attend the screening.

Choose Your Own Game Show will give audience members a chance to decide which game show they’ll play on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Students should bring a smart phone with them. There will also be a loaded nacho bar.

Build Your Own No-Sew Blanket, including a winter clothing collection in honor of Dr. King’s legacy and service, will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 24, and is also held in conjunction with the SUNY Fredonia Presidential Commission for the Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students will be given a package containing two pieces of fleece that they can tie or stitch together for a blanket they’ll be able to keep. Enough material to make 100 blankets will be available.

Students are asked to bring a piece of warm, winter clothing – such as a hat, scarf, gloves or sweater – to be donated to those in need. Hot chocolate will be served and a dessert bar offered while supplies last.

“We did this event last spring, and it was very popular,” said Office of Campus Life Associate Director Rachel Martin.

Students will have the opportunity to create their own masterpiece at a “Paint Evening,” led by a student instructor. Refreshments, while they last, include strawberry daiquiri fruit punch along with an artisan platter of cheese and meats. The student club Animation and Illustration Club is co-hosting the evening. Grocery Bingo offers real grocery items as prizes students can win.

“I’m always most excited about Grocery Bingo. It’s been a favorite among students for years; you can win anything from laundry detergent to mac and cheese to build your own pasta. We get all sorts of grocery items to give away,” Ms. Martin said. Come hungry, Martin adds, as pizza and mozzarella sticks will also be available.

With the exception of the movie, all Welcome Weeks events are hosted by the Spectrum Entertainment Board and sponsored by the Student Association.