This year ACE welcomed students back to UNCW with a medley of free events that immersed students into the Seahawk lifestyle. These events included concerts and fireworks on the gazebo fields, new movies in Lumina and much more. Though Hurricane Irene threatened to put a damper on the festivities, the events proceeded without a hitch and students were thoroughly entertained in their first week of school.

Last Wednesday kicked off the new semester with the start of classes and a night of fun events. Students gathered around the gazebo fields to listen to DJ Daywalker warm things up with his remix of tracks after which Sleeper Agent, Rolling Stone Magazine’s “band to watch,” came on to shake the crowd up with their garage band flare. Sleeper Agent played rock anthems such as “Get it Daddy,” and “Force a Smile.” Sleeper Agent was named iTunes free single of the week in early August, and has been gaining popularity ever since.

ACE concert chair Gillian Perry booked the band in March. “I was impressed by their live set and energy. It was a great kick-off for ACE Welcome and an indicator of what the concert committee has in store for the year,” said Perry.

A fireworks show ended the night with lights and sparks that could be seen throughout campus. Many students watched from their resident building balconies and enjoyed the display. One of those students was sophomore Randall Epley. “The fireworks show exceeded my expectations. I was especially surprised since it was put on by a college campus,” said Epley.

Despite Hurricane Irene’s effects, including voluntary evacuations throughout campus, ACE didn’t stop the fun. Students had the opportunity to see “Kung Fu Panda 2” in Lumina Theatre and watch as Po investigated his past to help the Furious Five defend China from an evil villain. Then, the afternoon of movies continued with the action packed film, “Fast Five,” which guided students around Brazil with an elite group of racers as they tried to bring down a corrupt business man.

Ending ACE Welcome Week in Dub fashion was the TEAL Tuesday Kick-off Party at the newly re-constructed campus amphitheater. ACE Spirit continued the tradition of “Teal Tuesday” with free food, fabulous teal giveaways, and a UNCW student favorite – free t-shirts. To learn more about the upcoming ACE events on campus you can visit their website at www.uncw.edu/ace or by adding them on Facebook or Twitter.