UMD Welcomes Freshman and Honors Athletes with Pep Rally

The annual pep rally is a part of the students' Welcome Week Events

DULUTH, Minn.- As welcome week progresses for students old and new coming to the UMD campus, excitement is also building for the upcoming athletic season.

The annual pep rally was dedicated to incoming freshman, but also to student athletes, who were introduced at the event.

Nearly 2,000 freshmen filled the stands to cheer on fellow Bulldogs in the rally. UMD athletic teams met the class of 2022 and were recognized for their accomplishments, including a celebration for the hockey national champions.

Sr. Associate Athletic Dir. Karen Stromme says that UMD honored nearly 400 student athletes.

“The essence of what athletics and student athletes mean on our campus is profound. We always talk about the life lessons that you learn as a student athlete, but it’s also the life lessons you learn when you sheer for the Bulldogs when you are a student.”

Students attending the rally were separated into color groups to foster team spirit. Teams had the chance to play games against each other to win prizes like season tickets to Bulldogs’ hockey games. Many senior athletes like Josie Buckley were happy to pass their legacy onto the incoming group.

“One take away is to really take advantage of everything that UMD has to offer. We can put on these huge events like this and just really bring UMD together as a community. That’s something super special that Duluth has to offer.”

As Welcome Week continues, freshmen are encouraged to attend as many university events as possible.