Lope-A-Palooza

Before they can even get unpacked, Havocs leaders have a message for new and returning GCU students: “We want you!’’ Indeed, maintaining the incredible spirit of the Havocs is an all-in enterprise. “It takes every single student,’’ Havocs Co-President Jake Bradshaw said. The learning process begins on Thursday at Lope-A-Palooza, an incredibly entertaining event featuring Thunder, the Cheer and Dance teams, the Thundering Heard Pep Band and the Havocs. It is the perfect time for students — who all are inherently Havocs — to learn the chants and movements that give the Lopes a home-field and home-court advantage.

GCU’s Move-In tradition continues with the ultimate warm welcome, beginning Friday when Welcome Crew members arrive on campus. As students, faculty and staff once again personally move students into their rooms, it sets the tone for a pay-it-forward campus culture. Move-In kicks into high gear on Monday, Aug. 20, and the entire week is filled with activities designed to help freshmen and transfer students make friends and settle in while returning students catch up with friendships and dive into leadership roles.