ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University’s DiGiorgio Student Union (DSU) will welcome new and returning students to campus for the 2025-26 academic year with Welcome Week, a line-up of fun events.
“We’ve got a ton of exciting events lined up as we kick off a brand new era for DSU with a fresh rebrand, and we’re so excited to welcome students back in style!” said John Kirk, director of campus programming.
Here are the free events:
First Night Winthrop
Friday, Aug. 22, 8-10 p.m.
Campus Green
The Office of the First-Year Experience (FYE) and DSU will team up for this carnival-style
event. This Winthrop tradition welcomes new students to their "First Night" on campus
with food, music and games. DSU will also hand out free T-shirts.
Waffles & Welcome
Saturday, Aug. 23, 5-7:30 p.m.
Eagle Eatery
Everyone is encouraged to come to dinner with DSU and try out food from Chartwells,
the campus’ new food provider.
WU Dropped It (Aux Wars Edition)
Sunday, Aug. 24, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Dina’s Place
Students will battle it out to see who can bring the best music and energy to the
stage.
Convocation
Monday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m.
Byrnes Auditorium
Winthrop will usher in its 140th year during this beloved tradition. The ceremony,
which will move back to Byrnes Auditorium for the first time since 2018, officially
welcomes new and transfer students into the Winthrop family. Immediately following,
President Serna and First Lady Lauren Serna will lead students toward the campus front
lawn in the traditional Blue Line procession. A picnic lunch, open to the community,
will take place on the lawn in front of Margaret Nance Hall at 11:45 a.m. DSU will
hand out custom street signs to first-year students with their names and “Winthrop
University Class of 2029”—a perfect keepsake!
Foam Party
Thursday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.
Campus Green
Don’t miss this huge foam party on the Campus Green, complete with a live DJ, great food and unforgettable fun!
Meet the DSU Crew
Friday, Aug. 29, 12:30-2 p.m.
212 DiGs
Come by and meet the DSU crew in the DSU office! This is a chance for students to
meet the amazing team, learn what DSU is all about and find out how to get involved
this year.
For more information, visit the DSU website.
