If Dwight Nelson, Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) senior pastor, ever sprinkles a spoonful of complimentary Fruit Loops on your sundae, chances are you’re enjoying the All Fired Up 2005, “We Scream for Ice Cream.” With its fusion of fun, food, friendship, and the formation of vital connections between incoming students, campus services, and student organizations, the lip-licking event hallmarked the spirit of Andrews University’s new student orientation week.
Designed to equip new students with the tools necessary to succeed in college, this year’s All Fired Up 2005 ran from Aug. 21 to 28—beginning with First Stop on Sun. and concluding with the beach party and alumni BBQ the following Sun. While new students’ parents and siblings were encouraged to participate in initial events, includingPresident’s Welcome Luncheon on Mon., most left by Tues. But thanks to family groups, co-mentored by pairs of student volunteers and coached by staff members, students were hardly left to succumb to homesickness in their dorm rooms. Steve Yeagley, assistant to the vice president of student services and orientation coordinator, remarked, “Not only do [family groups] launch crucial connections, they also foster friendships students often maintain throughout their college experience.”
While All Fired Up 2005 featured the usual events, Friday’s itinerary included new family group service projects, ranging from riverfront clean-up to playground refurbishment. “[The projects] were a chance to introduce incoming students to what Andrews is all about—service,” Yeagley reflects.
The week culminated with a special worship service at PMC and a lasagna dinner sponsored by church family members. Following Sabbath afternoon activities, students enjoyed a concert by Christian recording artist Shaun Groves before heading to Blossom Lanes in the evening for an extreme bowling party DJ'ed by Pulse-FM, a local Christian music radio station.
All Fired Up 2005 proved to kindle a warmer welcome than ever for incoming students.
Elizabeth Lechleitner, University Relations student news writer
