Rikkote Benfele, left, joined in a Purple Fire Week tie-dye activity during Florida Polytechnic University’s first day of classes for the fall semester on Tuesday, Aug. 24.
When Rikkote Benfele made his way across Florida Polytechnic University’s campus on the first day of class on Tuesday, Aug. 24, he said he knew he’d made the right decision when it came to choosing a college.
“My first day has been amazing and people are so nice here,” said Benfele, a freshman majoring in computer engineering.
Benfele stopped by a tie-dye activity outside the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building to make both a tie-dye T-shirt and new friends.
The event was part of the annual Purple Fire Week, one of the University’s most popular campus traditions, which welcomes new and returning students to campus and encourages their involvement in fun activities outside of class. The events are hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Campus Activities Board (CAB).
“Purple Fire Week is important because it gets people acclimated to the culture and the events that Florida Poly has to offer,” said Vanessa Townsend, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering and a member of CAB. “At these events, you can not only meet new people, but you can meet the leadership team and get cool things – like getting a cool Florida Poly T-shirt and you will remember for years and years.”
Samantha Ashby, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering and the SGA president, agreed the weeklong event can play a huge role in a student’s success on campus.
“At Purple Fire events, everyone is looking to meet people, so it’s a really great way to do that and also learn about student life and other activities,” she said. “I hope students get a chance to get out of their dorm rooms and do some activities and have a great transition to life on campus.”
For more information on the events, visit PhoenixLink.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
