Week of Welcome (WOW) got off to a great start as freshmen found their way around campus (like the Gators featured in the images), and upper classmates tackled classes in their major areas of study. Hump day is already over, but there’s still time to plan for the last few days of WOW—and a fabulous weekend!

“WOW showcases a glimpse of the energy and heartbeat of the campus. Getting involved on campus is what makes the most of work and school,” said Tremaine Kwasikpui, UHD’s Director of Student Activities​. “I am thankful for all of the volunteers, students, faculty, and staff who make WOW possible."

So, Gators, celebrate your success of navigating the first couple of days of the new academic year! 

Thursday will serve up “sweets” day, featuring desserts with Enrollment Management and Cupcakes with Counselors, and will end with the Sports and Fitness Bash and eSports info session. UHD Chief of Police Casey Davis is the chef for the Sports & Fitness Bash. Stop by the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center from 2 to 4 p.m. to taste one of his grilled burgers and settle into the UHD way of life with games and music.

At 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dr. Suzette Mouchaty, Adjunct Lecturer in Department of Natural Sciences, will be on hand for Artist’s Talks about her exhibition “Suzette Mouchaty: How to Talk to a Nudibranch (and some other things worth knowing)” in the Mark & Tami Mallett Grand Lobby of the College of Sciences & Technology building. This exhibition of large-scale sculptures of marine animals—real and imagined—is at the intersection of art and science, encouraging viewers to reflect on the natural world and re-imagine the future as communities grapple with climate change. In addition to Thursday’s showing, a public Reception and Artist’s Talk will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. 

On Friday evening, the screening of the documentary “Texas Justice: Brandon Woodruff” will feature a Q&A with co-producers Richard Ray and Scott Poggensee following the film. The documentary takes a hard-hitting look at the capital murder case of Brandon Woodruff, who was charged with murdering his parents in October 2005, while a 19-year-old freshman at Abilene Christian University. After three years of awaiting trial in jail, Woodruff finally went to court in northeast Texas. The prosecution essentially posited that Woodruff, who is gay and had not come out publicly, was living a double life: if he could “lie about something small like his sexuality, then he can lie about something big” (like killing his parents). On March 20, 2009, the jury convicted Woodruff after only five hours of deliberation. This documentary exposes the gay bias that went on from the investigation all the way through the trial. 

The screening will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 in the Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium on the third floor of the Academic Building, this event is free, but reserved tickets are required as seats are limited. Paid parking is available in the UHD Visitor Parking section of the Welcome Center Garage (201 Girard Street, Houston, TX 77002) and also in the paid lot across the street on Girard (lot 47802 in your ParkMobile app). 

Fun, food, and food for thought all can be yours as UHD wraps up its tradition of Week of Welcome. A great Gator way to end the first week of classes!