Cottey College welcomes students for 131st opening

The annual rite of fall begins as new students move to Cottey College and Nevada. First-year students begin arriving Friday, Aug. 22, followed shortly thereafter by the arrival of the second-, third-, and fourth-year students on Sunday, Aug. 24.

The residents of Nevada and surrounding communities should be aware of the increase in pedestrian traffic on Austin Boulevard through the Cottey campus and need to exercise caution.

Orientation activities will include a Community Picnic and Partner Fair at the Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center, from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23. There is no charge for the picnic, which is open to the public.

Residents are encouraged to welcome the students to the community and help them get to know the people who live in their new home away from home.

The Community Picnic and Partner Fair, which is funded by a grant through Missouri Campus Compact, allows students to become familiar with area businesses and churches as well as service organizations and clubs that would like to recruit students for volunteer opportunities, service learning projects, local internships, and undergraduate research.

Businesses, churches, and civic organizations are encouraged to showcase their products and services through displays, promotional materials, samples, giveaways and demonstrations.

For more information on Cottey volunteers and interns or to register for the 2014 Community Picnic and Partner Fair, contact Renee Hampton, interim coordinator for career and transfer planning, at 667-6333, ext. 2184, or email rhampton@cottey.edu.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 5 p.m.

Officially, the beginning of the academic year will arrive with the Opening Convocation at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 26, in the Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts Auditorium.

Mezzo-soprano Joseryl Beckley, Cottey Class of 2000, will share her talents as part of the Opening Convocation for all students, faculty, staff, and guests. Her academic musical presentation will be in lieu of a guest speaker.

Immediately following Beckley's presentation, the students will participate in one of the oldest traditions on campus, the Signing of the Cottey Book.

Classes will begin Wednesday, Aug. 27.

To help Nevada merchants extend greetings to the families and students, the College sent "Welcome Cottey" signs to every business in town.

Businesses that would like more "Welcome Cottey" signs should contact the Office of Public Information at 667-8181, ext. 2140.