Penn State’s Class of 2024 (virtually) received a warm welcome to the university during Welcome Week’s annual “Be A Part From The Start” event Sunday night.

The livestreamed event featured appearances from Penn State coaches, presentations student organization leaders, and some fun QR code giveaways.

Lion Ambassadors Addison Albert and Zach Zapico, the hosts for the evening, kicked off the night by welcoming the freshmen to Penn State. A video showcasing the beauty of campus and downtown State College followed the brief introduction.

Albert and Zapico then introduced the giveaways. Throughout the stream, viewers were encouraged to scan a QR code to fill out a form based on a word scramble. From there, participants were entered into a random drawing for some fun goodies, such as an iPad, bookstore gift cards, and speakers.

Next, the livestream made a “stop” at the Hintz Family Alumni Center, where Paul Clifford, CEO of the Penn State Alumni Association, greeted the Class of 2024 the only way he knows how.

“Wherever you go, whatever you do, Penn State will be a part of you and your experience,” Clifford said.

A few Penn State coaches, including Lady Lions coach Carolyn Kieger, men’s basketball coach Patrick Chambers, and head football coach James Franklin made appearances following some pretty juiced-up hype videos. Each coach welcomed the incoming freshmen but stressed the importance of wearing masks and working together to keep the community safe.

“I know these are challenging times right now, but we’ll get through them like we get through everything else — as a family,” Franklin said. “Mask up so we can be in Beaver Stadium for the next four years.”

Following Franklin’s appearance, Penn State’s freshmen heard from the Blue Band and received a taste of some classic Beaver Stadium tunes, such as “Fight On State”.

Hosts Albert and Zapico later shifted gears to highlight some of Penn State’s many student orgs. Julia Greco, executive director of Penn State Homecoming, and Katie Solomon, THON 2021’s executive director, welcomed the freshmen and encouraged them to get involved.

Additionally, representatives for Penn State’s Black, Asian Pacific Islander, and Latino Caucuses welcomed the freshmen and invited them to get involved with their organizations. As a whole, Be A Part From The Start placed a larger emphasis on promoting inclusivity and diversity than in years past.

Representatives from the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and the Penn State Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity also spoke to the Class of 2024, encouraging freshmen to explore opportunities on campus to learn and explore. UPUA Vice President Lexy Pathickal also spoke and informed them of everything Penn State’s student government offers.

To wrap up the stream, Penn State’s Glee Club performed their rendition of the Alma Mater. Founded back in 1888, the organization is the oldest student organization on campus.

“Welcome to PSU, Class of 2024! Enjoy the next four years! And remember… We Are!”