Emily Jones described herself as “incredibly excited” after winning a draw Wednesday for a free semester’s tuition.

The first-year drama student has been saving money to pay for school and said she was extremely grateful to the Alumni Association for putting up the $3,000 prize, awarded Wednesday during the Welcoming Celebration at the St. Denis Centre.

“It’s the best thing they could do,” Jones said. “It’s so helpful. So many people could use it.”

Wednesday’s celebration took the form of a pep rally to usher in the Class of 2018. Besides an appearance by Lancer mascot Winston, the event featured an address by dean of students Clayton Smith and a musical performance by UWindsor president Alan Wildeman.

Volunteer Stephanie Girges distributes festive foam fingers at the entrance to Welcoming Celebration, Wednesday in the St. Denis Centre fieldhouse.

Dean of Students Clayton Smith accepts a hug from Lancer mascot Winston.

Nursing student Crystal Cushnie signs her name to a banner proclaiming her membership in the Class of 2018.

The winning team in the Lancer Cup bed race are varsity track athletes—Matthew Anane, Tyler Bellaire, Wilson Kabutangana, Brian Okeny, Will Potter and Andre Wright. The Lancer Cup competition, new this year, is sponsored by the University of Windsor Alumni Association.

Classes begin today and UWindsor Welcome Week continues with the Adrenaline Rush inflatable carnival between Dillon and Chrysler halls, the Time Machine Photobooth outside the CAW Student Centre, the Lancers Got Talent contest, and a barbecue to benefit the Shinerama fundraising campaign against cystic fibrosis.

Tomorrow’s activities include the Crazy Olympics to conclude the Lancer Cup competition, and a drive-in movie after sunset. Find a full list of event descriptions, locations and times at www.uwindsorwelcome.ca.