The Florida Polytechnic University campus will be awash in tie-dye, casino-style games, and fun competition when Purple Fire Week welcomes students back to the fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
“It’s a fun time to come out and experience something different,” said Tonya Chestnut, director of student development at Florida Poly.
Chestnut said the welcome-back events, which extend through Saturday, Aug. 24, are designed to be an exciting and relaxing way for students to begin the 2019-20 academic year. She said these activities foster stronger friendship connections and provide the knowledge that the University is a great place to meet both their academic and extracurricular needs.
“These are social events and you don’t have to compete to have a great time,” Chestnut said. “Come cheer on your friends, meet new people, and enjoy being back on campus for the start of a great year.”
Purple Fire Week will kick off at 7 p.m. Wednesday with six-on-six laser tag competitions on the soccer field. The event will end at 9 p.m.
On Thursday, Recreation Day will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the soccer field, basketball courts, and at the Student Development Center. Activities will include soccer, pickleball, volleyball, basketball, innertube water polo, and making tie-dye T-shirts.
Friday is Field Day and will feature activities from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the soccer field. These will include a 70-foot inflatable obstacle course, human foosball, and four-person jousting that will see competitors attempt to knock one another off a podium with a foam lance.
Saturday will feature Purple Fire Hacks, a mini hackathon from noon to 6 p.m. in rooms 1002 and 2003 of the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. The mini hackathon, sponsored by the Programming Club, will pit individuals and teams of all software and hardware skill levels against one another to win prizes and immerse themselves in the fun, problem-solving culture of Florida Poly.
Purple Fire Week will end on a neon note with a glow-in-the-dark party from 7 p.m. to midnight on the second floor of the IST. It will include casino-style games, miniature golf, and Florida Poly swag prizes.
Chestnut said student involvement plays a huge role in maintaining the mind-body balance students often need to be successful at the University.
“It’s heartwarming to see the students get involved so early on and really enjoy themselves,” Chestnut said. “This is a time to become acclimated to Florida Poly and feel part of everything we do.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557