Sept. 12, 2019
DePaul's first new student convocation, the Blue Demon Welcome, took place on Sept. 10 at Wintrust Arena. The Blue Demon Welcome was the first formal gathering for the new academic class and marked the beginning of their college journey. More than 100 faculty, staff and current students volunteered at the event.
An objective of DePaul’s strategic plan, Grounded in Mission: The Plan for DePaul 2024, the welcome helped to create an inclusive and engaging experience for all students, deepening their sense of belonging at DePaul and with their peers.
New DePaul students, faculty and staff in Discover and Explore Chicago classes file into Wintrust Arena for the new student convocation on Sept. 10. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Students stop for a photo on their way into the arena. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
DIBS riles up the crowd of new students to kick off the Blue Demon Welcome. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Quiana Stone, the associate director for selection and training in Residential Education, sings a rendition of the National Anthem at the beginning of the event. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., president of DePaul, welcomed the new academic class to the university community. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Salma Ghanem, interim provost, introduced each of DePaul’s 10 college deans to attendees of the Blue Demon Welcome. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
(Left to right) A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., president of DePaul; his wife, Josephine; Gisselle Cervantes, SGA president; and Gene Zdziarski, vice president for Student Affairs, enjoy a moment of humor during the ceremony. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
A surprise balloon drop ended the upbeat ceremony. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)