Luminary, Connections, and Welcome Week at USU Eastern
The first week of the semester here at USU Eastern was nothing short of electric. From
traditions, food, and new friends, the campus has a way of lighting up the students and
faculty to kick off the new school year.
The first week of the semester here at USU Eastern was nothing short of electric. From
traditions, food, and new friends, the campus has a way of lighting up the students and
faculty to kick off the new school year. Starting with the glowing Luminary and finishing with the busy
hub of Welcome Week activities, the students at Eastern have had plenty of opportunities to dive
headfirst into the year.
This year’s Luminary brought students and staff together on Fountain Field to form the shape of
a giant 25 to mark the year from up above. It’s a tradition that is also held at USU in Logan, but
Eastern has embraced its own tradition with pride. The event isn’t just about lanterns; it
represents unity and the official kickoff to life in college. The Luminary also ties directly into the
USU Connections class, a two-credit course designed to connect students with peers, professors,
and resources on campus. For those students, joining the Luminary was a celebration for the end
of their summer coursework and first class at USU Eastern. Luminary truly symbolizes the start
of college journeys for Eastern students.
USUSA (Utah State University Student Association) made sure students had no shortage of fun
events and activities to attend.
Blue Blast Block Party: Starting on Monday, Aug. 25, local businesses and campus programs lined
up the block in front of the Desert Wave Pool. Students were able to grab free Aggie Ice
Cream, Canyon Ice snow cones, and meals from two local favorites. Those featured were
Angel’s Cravings and Gettin’ Our Smoke On. Angel’s Cravings stole the spotlight by
selling out first, but the delicious barbecue truck soon followed.
Luau Aggie Aloha: Following the block party, the Desert Wave Pool turned into a
tropical paradise with leis, beach towels, fruit, and drinks from the Tiki Bar, and, of
course, more Canyon Ice snow cones.
Par‘tee” with Outdoor Rec: Students teed up for some indoor mini golf, scooter races,
and mini competitions on Wednesday night. The stakes were high in the Jennifer
Leavitt Student Center, as the top prize of the night, was Beats headphones.
Blacklight Bingo: The JLSC was host to the final activity for the week, and it was
glowing! Students gathered for a night of neon bingo, prizes, and Minute to Win It
challenges. The best part is that those who made it all of the Welcome Week activities were
entered into a drawing for a Nintendo Switch 2.
From glowing lanterns to glowing bingo cards, the start of the semester proved that USU Eastern
knows how to have a good time and welcome its students. The events weren’t just about free
food or prizes; it was about making Price feel like home. Thanks to the community, USUSA, and
USU itself is off to a bright start this semester.
**Photos Courtesy of Dallin Grant
