The Kent State University community will be treated to a week of welcome-back festivities to kick off the spring semester.
Every day during the first week of classes, there will be a different giveaway item along with free food. There is a limited supply of giveaway items so everyone is encouraged to get there early. All events will take place on the second floor of the Kent Student Center. The events are open to all students, faculty and staff.
Welcome Back Week continues Friday night with a brand new event called WinterBlast at the Kent State Ice Arena. Similar to Blastoff in the fall, the event is meant to give students the opportunity to spend time catching up with old friends, meeting new ones and just having a good time.
WinterBlast will feature horse-drawn carriage rides around campus, ice skating, free food, Kent State Hockey and the chance for the first 100 students to the event to win $15,000! Guests also can gather around fire pits outside the Kent State Ice Arena to watch live ice sculpting demos and make s’mores.
“WinterBlast will hopefully become an annual event where students can catch up after the first week of classes and have some fun,” said Rebecca Kapler, assistant director of Kent State’s Center for Student Involvement.
Welcome Back Week culminates on Saturday night when Undergraduate Student Government hosts hip-hop artist Future and special guest Kid Ink. The concert will take place in the Memorial Athletic and Convocation (MAC) Center.
Feature Events for Welcome Back Week:
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 1-3 p.m.
Free Tech Gloves and Hot Chocolate Bar – Stop by to warm up with some hot chocolate and a pair of Kent State touchscreen gloves.
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 9-11 a.m.
Free Coffee Mugs and Breakfast – Start your day with omelets, free coffee and other breakfast items. Plus you can keep the coffee mug!
Thursday, Jan. 21, noon-2 p.m.
Free Plush Squirrels and Squirrel Cookies – Celebrate National Squirrel Day by picking up a new furry friend and a sweet squirrel treat.
Friday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free Kent State Socks and K Cookies – Get your blue and gold on, and then complete your outfit with a new pair of trendy Kent State socks.
WinterBlast, 7:30 p.m.-midnight – Kick off the spring semester at WinterBlast! Meet up with friends, play games, win prizes, eat free food, watch some hockey and relax. First 100 students will each have the chance to chuck-a-puck and win $15,000!
Saturday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.
Future in concert, with special guest Kid Ink – Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. in the MAC Center. Stop by Room 226, Kent Student Center to talk with our staff and learn how to get involved.
View Ticket and Concert InformationFind out how to get involved