Welcome Days activities on the hilltop celebrate the arrival of students on campus for a new academic year. And this year, the tradition has been more festive than ever!

During Move-in Days and Anchors (our special Orientation for new students), the university community came together to help students settle into their residence halls and get acquainted with their hilltop family. It was an exciting and fun time of new experiences and friendships as students prepared for classes to begin on Aug. 22.

Catch highlights of the excitement in our Welcome Days photo gallery and Instagram reel below.

Welcome home, Hilltoppers! We’re happy you’re here. Toppers up for an amazing year!

Enjoy Our Back-to-School Photos

Parents help their student move into St. Edward's residence hall

Hilltopper families arrive on campus during Move-in Days as new and returning students settle into their residence halls.
Parents help their student move into St. Edward's residence hall

Residential assistants welcome new students to their residence hall

Residence directors and assistants welcome new students to their hilltop home.
Roommates unpack and settle in to their residence hall room

Roommates quickly make their residence their own.
Orientation leaders, new students and staff enjoy taking a selfie photoss

Orientation leaders, staff and new students enjoy a chance to capture their hilltop spirit.
Orientation leader and new freshmen interact during an Orientation session

New Hilltoppers learn about student life and campus resources during an Orientation session.
Orientation leaders cheer on new students as they complete their Orientation

Orientation leaders give new Hilltoppers a rousing cheer as they complete their Orientation.
Orientation leaders cheer on new students as they complete their Orientation

Students kick off the back-to-school pep rally

Excitement builds for the Welcome Days pep rally.
President Fuentes joins cheerleaders in leading the back-to-school pep rally

President Fuentes joins the Hilltopper cheer team to kick off the rally.
A crowd of Hilltoppers cheer loudly during the back-to-school pep rally

Hilltop spirit in full force!
Students shine their cell phone lights during the back-to-school pep rally

Blue and gold paint the atmosphere as a glow-in-the-dark Welcome Days party begins.
Students dance together during the back-to-school rave

Music, dance and fun fill the air as student unwind before the start of classes.
President Fuentes addresses students during the Medallion Ceremony

President Fuentes addresses new students during the Medallion Ceremony and Legacy Walk, a long-held St. Edward's tradition that marks each student's entry into the university family.
Provost Marianne Ward-Peradoza addresses students during the Medallion Ceremony

Provost Marianne Ward-Peradoza welcomes students to the St. Edward's academic community.
Student receives the St. Edward's Medallion marking their entry into the university community

New students receive their university medallion from faculty members in their academic school.
Student receives the St. Edward's Medallion from a faculty member, marking their entry into the university community

The university medallion is presented to students when they arrive at St. Edward's and worn at commencement when they graduate.
Students show off their St. Edward's Medallion during the Medallion Ceremony

Proud medallion recipients.
Legacy Walk in front of Main Building

Following the Medallion Ceremony, students take the Legacy Walk across campus and through the red doors of Main Building, marking the beginning of their academic journey.
Parents show their pride as students make their Legacy Walk through Main Building.

Hilltopper families cheer on their students during the Legacy Walk.
New students begin their academic journey on the hilltop by walking through the red doors of Main Building. When students graduate, they exit the red doors during a graduation ceremony.

Students enter the red doors of Main Building. When they graduate, they will exit the red doors during a special graduation ceremony.
Faculty, staff and fellow students greet new Hilltoppers as they emerge from Main Building, completing the Legacy Walk.

Faculty, staff and fellow students greet new Hilltoppers as they complete the Legacy Walk through Main Building.
Hilltoppers gather on campus for the Welcome Days block party

Hilltoppers gather for the Welcome Days block party.
Students rides a mechanical bull during the Welcome Days block party

Block party excitement: games, inflatable rides, music, snacks, prizes, friendship and fun.
Students runs through a bouncing maze during the Welcome Days block party

Party goers tackle an inflatable maze.
Students dance together during the Welcome Days block party

Hilltoppers never miss a chance to dance.
St. Edward's students pause for a photo with their cotton candy during the Welcome Days block part

New friends enjoy snacks for the sweet tooth.
Students check out student organizations at the Welcome Days Involvement Fair

Students attend the Welcome Days Involvement Fair to learn about the 100+ student organizations and clubs on campus.
Students check out student organizations at the Welcome Days Involvement Fair

Student leaders with organizations and clubs encourage students to get involved on campus.
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