Trojan Kickoff Party draws students to the John Robert Lewis Quad

Students flocked to the main quad Saturday night for the Trojan Kickoff Party. This event was one of the many Welcome Week events taking place during the first two weeks of the semester.  

Savannah Edgar photo

Students play corn hole and connect 4 on the JRL quad for the Trojan Kickoff Party.

Attendees enjoyed outdoor games like cornhole and Connect 4, a live DJ and a chance to socialize with others as they walked past.  

“I love the environment of all the people, especially the international students,” said Tré Carter, a Troy alumnus also known as DJ Goliath. “Everybody’s always friendly, and it feels like home every time you come back.” 

Since Carter provided the musical entertainment for the night, he set up his technical equipment on one side of the quad and played a mixtape consisting of both recent and nostalgic music.

Students chatted with friends and played games on the quad as the music filled the air. For many freshmen, this was a chance to get out of their dorms and meet new people.  

One group of friends – Aniya Washington, Isabella Evans and Kadyn Mackie – met within the first week of classes and decided to attend the event together. They had been attending other Welcome Week events throughout the week. 

“It really pushes you out of your comfort zone,” said Washington, a freshman early childhood education major from Niceville, Florida. “Especially if you’ve been around the same people for years at a time. 

“It’s been scary, but I’m glad I got pushed into it, so I got to meet these lovely people.” 

The group also mentioned the importance of attending Welcome Week events for international students who are studying away from home, pointing out that it gives them the opportunity to try something new as well.  

Savannah Edgar photo

Students take a seat while catching up and listening to music.

“A lot of [international students] said it was hard for them to go up and talk to people because they’re from a different country,” said Evans, a freshman sports management major from Daleville, Alabama. “Being able to go and welcome them to America was really nice. 

“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to meet friends without it being awkward.” 

Welcome Week events will continue throughout the second week of the semester. For more information on these events, visit @troyuniversitywelcomeweek on Instagram.