Rousing welcome planned when Class of 2006 arrives

by Daniel J. Fitzgibbons, Chronicle staff

ump the academic robes and mortar boards, deep-six the long speeches, and let's have some fun.

     That's the message new Chancellor John Lombardi gave planners of the annual new student convocation, scheduled for Sunday evening at the Mullins Center. As a result, the Class of 2006 will be treated to a fast-paced, lively evening of learning cheers, winning prizes and enjoying entertainment by the Doo-Wop Shop, Hoop Band and Minuteman Marching Band.

     "The chancellor wanted more pep and enthusiasm," says planning committee chair Melissa Vara, assistant director of Alumni Relations, Student and Young Alumni. "He wants to put a more welcoming and fun feeling into it."

     As in past years, Walter Chesnut, the campus herald, will rev the crowd up with a rousing horn fanfare. The emcees will be David Carr, president of the Student Government Association, and Catherine Hunter, president of the Student Alumni Relations Society (STARS).

     Lombardi will welcome the 3,300 new students to UMass, as will student trustee Bill Powers, Alumni Association president-elect Hal Lane, '70, and football coach Mark Whipple. New women's basketball coach Marnie Dacko and hockey coach Don "Toot" Cahoon are also scheduled to be on hand.

     The featured speaker will be Kori Chambers, a senior Journalism major who last year won a guest hosting spot on "Live! With Regis and Kelly." Chambers is currently a news reporter on WGGB, Channel 40 in Springfield.

     According to Vara, several giveaways of prizes, such as T-shirts and coupons for pizzas, are planned during the evening.

     The doors to the Mullins Center open at 7:20 p.m. and the program begins at 8.
Following the convocation, students and community members will head to the Lincoln Campus Center and Student Union for the traditional First Night activities, including a dance party sponsored by Enrollment Services, a screening of "Spiderman" sponsored by the SGA and entertainment by Mission Improvable, a student comedy troupe. Auxiliary Services and campus vendors will be on hand to give away items to students.

     A number of activities will also take place Sept. 2-3, including a campus carnival, a boardwalk casino, and a make-your-own-music video booth, all sponsored by Campus Activities.

     The University community is invited to attend the convocation and First Night Activities.