Welcome Week organizers bid their farewell after a three year run

Welcome Week is designed for all incoming first-year students, both living in residence and living off-campus. (Credit: STU communications)

For the past three summers, Talia Corderre and Grace Finlay have been at the centre of Welcome Week at St. Thomas University, organizing events for new and returning students. 

This year marks their final term as co-chairs and both are reflecting on the role and what it has meant for them, while also considering the changes to student support services.

Corderre, a fifth-year fine arts student, said the role taught her the importance of speaking up. Early on, she realized her perspective mattered, even in meetings with staff and faculty.

“Your voice has meaning … don’t be afraid to make suggestions, because you are coming from the student perspective in a room full of staff. Your voice is just as important as everyone else’s,” she said.

She encouraged future organizers to start planning early. Even small steps in the summer can make a difference when offices and staff are on vacation.

“I want it to continue to perfect the things that are already working but also think about how to incorporate the different demographics that we have coming in, while still focusing on building community and bonds between them all,” Corderre said.

For Finlay, a fourth-year fine arts and English honours student, Welcome Week taught her that one contribution can make a difference.

“It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough, like you’re not in every club or job or volunteer role,” she said. “But this year, especially at Cheer Off, I could look around and reflect on the last three years and go, ‘Oh, you did this one big thing’ and that was nice.”

The co-chairs have also seen Welcome Week create lasting friendships and relationships among students.

“I’ve seen people become best friends because of Welcome Week and three years later, they’re still hanging out on campus. I’ve seen relationships begin, even people fall in love because of Welcome Week. That’s the stuff that really matters,” said Finlay.

This year, the Welcome Centre, an initiative powered by volunteers to check in students to their residence during welcoming week, was discontinued. 

Its responsibilities shifted to the Student Help Desk, which operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Adetomiwa Adeyemi, a third-year criminology and sociology student, said the late-night support previously offered was essential, especially for international students arriving after long flights.

“One night, a student arrived at 1 a.m. due to a delayed flight and I was the first person they met on campus,” she said. “Just knowing that I could be of help was very rewarding. That student and I are still friends today.”

Adeyemi said removing that system leaves a gap for incoming international students, particularly as enrolment grows, noting that airport shuttle services were also discontinued.

“If you’re going to accept international students, you have to make provisions for them. It’s a necessity,” she said.

Finlay said volunteers remain essential to Welcome Week’s success. She noted that more than 40 students helped with set-up, tear-down and guiding first-years around campus, emphasizing how vital they are to the smooth running of the week.

“Volunteers are truly integral. There has to be room for them or Welcome Week doesn’t happen,” Finlay said.

As they step away, the three students hope the incoming team recognizes both the challenge and the opportunity ahead. 

For Corderre, Finlay, and Adeyemi, Welcome Week has been about creating community, supporting students and leaving a lasting mark on St. Thomas University.