This year Welcome Weekend will feature a new event, Strive to Be, that is open to the entire University community. Strive to Be will be held Thursday from 10–11 a.m. in the Knapp Center. The event will take the place of University Convocation, traditionally held on the Friday afternoon of Welcome Weekend. It will feature student speakers Ashley Blaze and Jose Garcia-Fuerte, who will share their Drake stories, and it will showcase the talents of Fermata the Blue, the Brocal Chords, and D+ Comedy Improv. Please join in welcoming the 2017–2018 student body by attending this special event.

— Melissa Sturm-Smith, Academic Excellence and Student Success