Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - Students will be welcomed with a rush of activities when West Texas A&M University kicks off its spring semester Jan. 21.

When classes resume following observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20, new and returning students will be welcomed on campus via separate initiatives from the Office for Student Affairs, the Alumni Association and non-academic sorority Beta Sigma Phi.

"The spring semester brings hopes and dreams into reality as opportunities abound here at WT," said Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs. "Our Buff community is excited to start the new semester and committed to developing excellence in our students."

WT faculty and staff will be out in full force across the Canyon campus and the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center for the campus greeter program.

Volunteers work 30-minute shifts between 7 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. on both Jan. 21 and 22, helping make students feel welcome on campus, as part of WT's Start Strong initiative.

"WT is a special place that provides a warm welcome even when it's freezing outside," said Chance Haugen, assistant vice president for campus community and engagement. "Our faculty and staff jump at the opportunity to welcome our students back to campus and to make sure 2025 starts off strong."

Current and retired WT staff and faculty will be taking part in a random act of kindness for students in need on MLK Day.

For a 10th year, members of Beta Sigma Phi will yarn-bomb the campus, leaving a few hundred hand-knitted scarves and caps around the Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughan Pedestrian Mall and Old Main.

Each bears a note reading, "I'm not lost. If you're cold, take me with you."

"We treasure the WT community. We know that too many of us are food insecure and go cold in the winter. This yarn-bombing is one way we can help," said Jean Stuntz, emeritus Regents Professor of History and Beta Sigma Phi vice president. "We make these caps, scarves, shawls and ear-warmers by hand with love. We hope that each item finds a loving recipient."

Food-insecure students also may benefit from an ongoing holiday food drive organized by the WT Alumni Association.

Donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted through Jan. 22. They can be purchased locally or via a registry on Amazon, said Ronnie Hall, WT Alumni Association executive director.

More than 600 items have been donated since the drive began Dec. 11 for The Market on Tierra Blanca, a Canyon food bank at St. Helen's Outreach, an arm of St. Ann's Catholic Church

"As Buffs, we understand the impact of coming together to support one another," said Ronnie Hall, executive director of the WT Alumni Association. "Fuel the Herd embodies the compassionate spirit of WT alumni in their willingness to help students in need. Every donation shows WT students they are valued and have a community that supports them."

At the JBK Jamboree on Jan. 30, students will have the opportunity to win necessities for the classroom and residences through bingo games in an event sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, the Jack B. Kelley Student Center and the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership. The event also will include a ping pong tournament, and student organizations will share information about themselves. The event will run from 4 to 10 p.m. in the JBK Student Center on the Canyon campus.

Students also can take part in a trivia night; a Winter Bash featuring a polar plunge on Jan. 23; a free food truck lunch at a First Friday event Jan. 24; free bowling; karaoke; and more. For a full list of Welcome Week activities, visit wtamu.edu/StartStrong.

Exhibiting qualities of servant leadership is a key principle of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign's new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

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