All of Seton Hall continues to suffer after Saturday's tragic events. The atmosphere of campus remains tinged with sadness and grief. Even those who didn't know Jessica Moore and the other students shot in East Orange on Saturday share in the suffering.
While Seton Hall has been altered by this event, University Weekend will still be held this weekend, giving students a chance to reorient.
"We are very excited for University Weekend this year, and are looking forward to a large turnout," said Meghan Codey, assistant director of special events. "We have had a great response from student organizations interested in hosting an event during University Weekend, as well as a large turnout of student volunteers," she said.
There will be a Pre-Weekend Party for students on Thursday from 8:30 p.m. until midnight in the Main Lounge. However, the weekend officially starts Friday with a women's soccer game against Providence. The game starts at 7 p.m. and admission is free, which offers a great opportunity to show school spirit by cheering the women to victory.
Friday also has a special event for parents. The Seton Hall University Parents' Fund Welcome Reception and Art Gallery Viewing starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Walsh Gallery, located on the first floor of the Walsh Library. The event begins with a viewing of the new art exhibit "Driving without Destination."
There will be a number of athletic competitions. One of the first is the 26th Annual Farinella 5K Run at 9 a.m. Other events start early Saturday, including a Welcome Kick-Off at 11:30 a.m. on the Green.
The Fall Softball Tournament at Ivy Hill Field starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday and continues until 7 p.m. There is a women's volleyball match at 2 p.m. in the Walsh Gymnasium. After the game, the team and coaches are offering a Volleyball Clinic.
Also featured this Saturday is a men's soccer game vs. Pittsburgh, starting at 7 p.m. at Owen T. Carroll Field. The university's ultimate frisbee team returns to play Columbia High School at Waterlands Field in downtown South Orange from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday, women's volleyball vs. Pittsburgh begins at noon in the Walsh Gym, followed by another volleyball clinic. The Seton Hall women's soccer vs. University of Connecticut match will begin at 4:00 p.m. on the Owen T. Carroll Field.
The weekend, however, is not dedicated solely to athletics. There are plenty of other options for those who don't consider themselves athletically inclined.
"We have…changed the Main Stage to student performances to showcase and highlight the range of student organizations we have on campus," Codey said.
Running throughout the weekend will be My Time, which gives students, alumni, faculty and family a chance to record their memories about Seton Hall. Those interested will find the recorders on the Green from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Another event will be the scavenger hunt from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Green. The Pirate Alley and Community Row will be held at the same time as the scavenger hunt. The Row will give students and their guests the chance to see what else is happening around Seton Hall.
There are also events for children. This year's Children's Theatre will present Cinderella, playing at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Theater-in-the-Round on. Also for children is Pirate Land, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday on the University Green. Pirate Land will feature a variety of activities for children of all ages.
Those interested in helping others can donate blood on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University Center Main Lounge.
WSOU, Seton Hall's Pirate Radio, is also hosting Operation Gratitude, giving students and guests an opportunity to donate CDs and DVDs to be shipped to soldiers overseas.
Those interested in learning more about last week's shooting – and about Seton Hall's response and ongoing activities to protect students – should attend the Campus Safety and Security presentation on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jubilee Auditorium.
University Weekend ends on Sunday. Students may want to bring parents and guests to the Jazz Brunch, starting at 11:30 in the Main Lounge. A Family Weekend Hike is also on the schedule for Sunday, starting from the South Mountain Reservation from 9-11.
"After the Fire," a presentation on the Boland Hall fire, will be given at 7 p.m. Sunday in the McNulty Auditorium.
Although the somber atmosphere may overshadow much of University Weekend, there will be plenty of exciting activities for students and guests to do and see throughout the event.
Mary Kate Martin can be reached at marycatherine.martin@student.shu.edu
