A Look Back On UCF's First Week of 2021-22 School Year

Members of cheer team hold up signs spelling KNIGHTS on stage with a Knighting banner illuminated behind them — The cheerleading team helped energize the crowd at The Knighting, which serves as the official welcome for new students at UCF. (Photo by Carly Hollowell ’14 ’20MA)

UCF’s campuses are buzzing again now that the 2021-22 academic year is in full swing.

Here is a glimpse at some of the activities and action experienced during Pegasus Palooza, in the classroom and around UCF.

A woman in a pink shirt carries a laundry basket packed with belongings while her father wheels a cart of belongings behind her — A time-honored tradition for students and their families: moving into UCF Housing. (Photo by **Carly Hollowell ’14 ’20MA**)

UCF student decked out in rainbow gear from head to toe near Reflecting Pond — UCF students showed up in their best back-to-school attire on the first day of classes Aug. 23. (Photo by **Carly Hollowell ’14 ’20MA**)

Alex Cartwright wearing a black face mask talks to two male students near Reflecting Pond — President Alexander N. Cartwright mingled with students at the popsicle social. (Photo by **Nick Leyva ’15**)

Melinda Cartwright greets young girl holding an orange popsicle — First Lady Melinda Cartwright (right) greets a young girl after handing an ice pop to her. (Photo by **Nick Leyva ’15**)

Knightro poses for a photo with three women students — The popsicle social was one of 30 events during the week-long celebration of Pegasus Palooza. (Photo by **Nick Leyva ’15**)

Professor stands at front of a classroom addressing students seated at desks — Instructor Donna Breit ’10MS welcomes her class of nursing students on the first day. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Five university leaders stand at the entrance of John C. Hitt Library after cutting a ribbon for grand opening — The John C. Hitt Library held a grand opening celebration Aug. 25 after undergoing an extensive renovation. (Photo by Thomas Bell ’08)

Student wearing purple hijab sits at a table with a laptop in John C. Hitt Library — The renovation to the library incorporated designated quiet areas and more space for students to create a collaborative learning experience. (Photo by **Carly** **Hollowell** **’14 ’20MA**)

Student sits as she is administered a COVID vaccine by a blonde woman in Roth Tower lobby — Student Health Center staff were on hand at multiple events throughout the first week to make it convenient for students who wanted to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. (Photo by **Carly Hollowell ’14 ’20MA**)

Three students pose with SEOS UCF banner and table — At the Opening Knight event, students had the chance to discover some of the 600 special interest groups UCF has to offer. (Photo by **Carly** **Hollowell** **’14 ’20MA**)

Student wearing gray polo, black pants and UCF mask stands in front of wall mural — Students, faculty and staff shared their aspirations for the new school year. (Photo by **Stephanie Rodriguez ’20**)

Four students play a video game on third floor of Student Union — Students bond over a friendly game of Super Smash Bros. on the third floor of the Student Union. (Photo by **Brandon Brown ’18**)

Students wearing masks sit individually in yellow chairs lining a hallway in student union — Students take a study break near the Starbucks at the Student Union. (Photo by Brandon Brown ’18)

Students pose with funny faces on Memory Mall while people mill about around them — Students enjoyed a variety of flavors at the annual Taste of UCF event on Memory Mall sponsored by the Multicultural Student Center. (Photo by Brandon Brown ’18)

A student talks to two other students at a table with a board promoting the Cruise Line Industry Leaders of Tomorrow — Students at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management were introduced to a variety of clubs and organizations at a welcome back ice cream social in the college’s courtyard. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

College of Business Dean Paul Jarley interviews UCF alum Justin Wetherill on stage — College of Business Dean Paul Jarley (right) interviews UCF alum **Justin Wetherill ’07** at the Welcome to the Majors event, which was created in partnership with Wells Fargo to welcome College of Business students into the culture of the college — one of risk taking, cross disciplinary collaboration and data driven decision making. (Photo by Lesley Crews, UCF College of Business)

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