97-09-19 Story Tips for Local News Media STORY TIPS This and every University Communications news release is available on the Internet and World Wide Web. To access by Internet, you may reach us through either OASIS (Ohio State Information System), the Columbus Freenet or World Wide Gophers. Our Web address is www.acs.ohio-state.edu. STUDENTS WELCOMED WITH EXPANDED WEEK OF ACTIVITIES--Sept. 21-28. Nearly 50,000 students return to campus beginning Sunday, Sept. 21 as Ohio State begins a new academic year. Welcome Week is a series of activities and programs designed to welcome and introduce faculty, staff and school traditions to new and returning students to Ohio State. Welcome Week will include more events than last year as a result of efforts to continue to improve the student experience at Ohio State. Among the many Welcome Week activities: Sunday, Sept. 21-Residence halls move-in. Nearly half of the 8,000 dormitory residents are expected on Sunday. The remainder are in by Tuesday. To help with the move-in process, at least 600 student volunteers, called OWLs or “Orientation Welcome Leaders,” will unload cars and help cart student belongings into the residence halls Monday, Sept. 22-The Presidents Convocation, at 11 a.m. in St. John Arena, features a colorful processional of faculty in academic regalia. President Gee, the provost, vice presidents, faculty members and student leaders will be introduced to freshmen and new students. The marching band will then lead the students to the Oval for the president’s picnic and Buckeye Bash from noon-2 p.m. At 6 p.m., students play a squad of OSU and Columbus area celebrities at Vice President for Student Affairs David Williams’ Wacky Softball Challenge at the Ohio State Women’s Softball Field, next to the Woody Hayes Athletic Facility. Tuesday, Sept. 23-At least 1,000 students are expected on the West Lawn of the Ohio Union at 9:30 a.m. to take part in “Community Commitment,” through which participants perform two hours of community service at sites near campus. A Community Service Fair will follow the service activity. Wednesday, Sept. 24-Classes begin. Thursday, Sept. 25-Scarlet Fever pep rally, at 7 p.m. in St. John Arena, introduces students to Ohio State traditions including Brutus Buckeye, the marching band, sports teams and cheerleaders. Friday, Sept. 26-The Second City, the Chicago-based comedy troupe that launched careers for many well-known comedians, gives a free performance at Mershon Auditorium. Saturday, Sept. 27- Students can watch the Buckeyes play Missouri on three big-screen TVs and attend a Beach Party Tailgate at the Drake Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following the party, the Rolling Stones will perform their Bridges to Babylon Tour 1997 concert in Ohio Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28-The Columbus Crew soccer team hosts Tampa Bay at 3 p.m. in Ohio Stadium. CONTACT: Tracy Stuck, director of student activities, 292-8763. PARACHUTE TEAM JUMPS FROM 11,000 FEET TO CAMPUS--Sept. 22. The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, one of the top parachute teams in the world, will perform an aerial demonstration and parachute onto the field just south of Ohio Stadium at 2 p.m. The event (weather permitting) is presented by the Department of Military Science and the Army ROTC at Ohio State as a way to welcome students to Ohio State. CONTACT: Jill Lawson, Army ROTC, 292-6075. NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS, BLANKENSHIP HALL, DEDICATED--Sept. 23. A brief ceremony will mark the dedication of Blankenship Hall, new headquarters for Ohio State University Police, and the Michael Blankenship Memorial. President Gee will join the 9:30 a.m. dedication outside the building at 901 Woody Hayes Drive. An open house until 3 p.m. will follow the ceremony. CONTACT: John Kleberg, Business and Administration, 292-7970, or Ron Michalec, University Police, 292-2121. DOG WASH BENEFITS PILOT DOGS--Sept. 27. The Veterinary Fraternity, Omega Tau Sigma (OTS), will wash your dog from 9 a.m.- noon at the OSU Veterinary Hospital, 601 Tharp St. Proceeds benefit Pilot Dogs. Cost is $10 for a large dog (more than 25 lbs.) and $8 for a small dog or second dog. CONTACT: Kristine McComis, College of Veterinary Medicine, 688-3517. CHIMP LAB TOUR BENEFITS ARTS--Sept. 27. The College of the Arts friends group, pARTners for the arts, is offering a special fund- raising tour of the OSU Chimp Lab at 11:30 a.m. Primatologist Sally Boysen, an associate professor of psychology, will host the event, introducing participants to her chimpanzee companions. Nationally known for her research and expertise, Boysen promises to share her amazing stories and vast knowledge. Proceeds will support projects in the College of the Arts. CONTACT: Leigh Mamlin, College of the Arts, 292-5171. The person listed as the contact for each item will have the best information about the story. However, feel free to call on our news services staff for assistance with these or other Ohio State news stories--Amy Murray, 292-8385; Ruth Gerstner, 292-8424; Tracy Turner, 688-3682; and Emily Caldwell, 292-8309. Compiled by Amy Murray, University Communications, (Murray- Goedde.1@osu.edu). [Submitted by: Von Vargas (vargas.12@osu.edu) Fri, 19 Sep 1997 10:56:18 -0400 (EDT)] All documents are the responsibility of their originator.