Collins Living-Learning Center welcomed new and returning Collinsites to campus during Welcome Week with programming centered around Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventure in Wonderland. Students chose their own adventure from a variety of delightful events. These programs provided opportunities for newcomers to learn about Collins and make new friends. "We're all mad here", after all.
Events:
Tuesday, August 19th
We're All Mad Here for Games
The first event for Welcome Week asked students to meet in the Formal Lounge for casual social games. Students lounged around, chatted, and played UNO.
Wednesday, August 20th
Collins Opening Reception
Faculty, students, and staff came together for the official opening of Collins LLC for the 2025-2026 academic year. After welcoming remarks from returning Director Lara Kriegel, campus partners, Executive Dean Rick Van Kooten with the College of Arts + Sciences and Collins alum Sara Ivey Lucus, Director at Residence Life & Assistant Dean of Students offered their enthusiasm for Collins. Together, they cut the ceremonial ribbon to usher in a new year at Collins.
Late Night Wonderland Crafts
Students gathered in the Dottie Collins Commons to craft into the dark hours. Supplies were available for a variety of DIY options, from flower crowns to decorating their own playing card soldier to friendship bracelets to coloring a Wonderland themed page. It's one of our most well-attended events.
Thursday, August 21st
Alice in Wonderland Film Screening with S'mores
Despite technical difficulties, students hung out in the courtyard while Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (2010) played on our new outdoor screen. S'mores ingredients were provided and consumed.
Friday, August 22nd
Down the Rabbit Hole: Visit WildCare Inc with SustainCollins
SustainCollins coordinated an opportunity for students to meet local wildlife ambassadors. They learned what to do if they encounter injured animals in town or on campus. Additionally, attendees assisted with an enclosure repair and cleanup. It was an informative and philanthropic experience.
Book Discussion Luncheon and Tea Party
Collins students and staff gathered in the Dottie Collins Commons to sip tea, eat from local favorite Taste of India, and discuss Carroll's book. Student leaders James Kranich and Zoe Bogan led an interesting discussion with topics ranging from reproductions in media culture to illustration variations to the representative aspects of academic life.
Collins Facilities Tours
Students met to tour the art spaces available to Collins LLC members. In the Annex, they found the ceramics and audio studios. Then, they traversed 10th Street to the Hillcrest Annex to see the textiles, painting/printmaking, photography, digital arts, and cinema spaces.
Wonderland Trivia
Many tour attendees stayed at the Clubhouse and were joined by others for Alice-themed trivia. Afterwards, students were encouraged to enjoy other area amenities, including pool and ping pong tables.
Queen of Hearts Game Night
Students hung out in Tate Holt, played board games, and enjoyed pizza. It was another great opportunity for new and returning Collinsites to bond.
Saturday, August 23rd
Btown Pride Meetup
Collinsites met up in the Courtyard and walked over together to the Btown Pride Festival in downtown Bloomington.
Very Merry Unbirthday
Students were invited to celebrate themselves by decorating cookies and crafting in the Commons while Res Life screened Alice in Wonderland (1951).
Bedtime Stories
Collins staff and student leaders read stories to the crowd. The Cheshire Cafe served a limited Wonderland menu.
Sunday, August 24th
Q-Instructor Meet and Greet
Freshmen were able to meet their Q-Instructor and classmates while enjoying donuts.
New Collinsites Art Gallery
Incoming Collinsites submitted artwork for display in the Tate Holt gallery. Students attended to eat cookies while ogling art.
Overall, it was a wonderful week. Much thanks to the Welcome Week team for their planning, organizing, and programming efforts.
Staff Advisors: Leigh Suggs and Heather Holmes
Team Members: Alyssa Luckritz, Gabriella Nahas, Hannah Gladden, Isaiah Hurd, James Kranich, June Horton, Krista Mangrum, Lauren Page, Melody Bunis-Haines, Nick Bhatt, Olivia Drew, Quin Jernagen, Rayna Hettinger, Rossie Rossen, Valentina Gianesi, Yonevea Sapcut, and Zoe Bogan
The College of Arts