Talha Fareed got a welcome to the University of Windsor he’ll never forget: a semester’s tuition free courtesy of the alumni association.

Just about to begin studies in computer science, Fareed won a draw for the prize during the Welcoming Celebration for all first-year students, Wednesday in the St. Denis Centre.

“I feel like I’m going to wake up and find out it’s a dream,” he said excitedly as he accepted a certificate — worth up to $4,000 — from association president Jean Wright. “It will make affording school a lot easier on my parents.”

Hundreds of new students, grouped by academic program, turned out for the celebration, basically a pep rally with addresses by university officials, along with cheers and prizes.

UWindsor interim president Douglas Kneale told the assembly that university education should form, and transform, youth.

“We are a community where we take care of each other,” he said, “but the journey is yours to take and it’s uphill. Pick a gear and dig in. It’s your ride.”

The event concluded a day’s itinerary that included orientation sessions for new students in all academic disciplines.

UWindsor Welcome Week continues Thursday, September 6, with the start of fall semester classes. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance executive will meet constituents in their tent outside the student centre and the office of Career Development and Experiential Learning will distribute free frozen treats in the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre.

On Friday, September 7, the Campus Community Garden located at 380 California Avenue will host a tour and tasting from 10 to 11 a.m. The Science Society will hold a barbecue, “Dunk the Dean,” and a fun run outside Essex Hall.

Find a full list of UWindsor Welcome Week events on the program website.

First-year student Talha Fareed accepts congratulations from alumni association president Jean Wright on winning a draw for a semester’s free tuition.