Dear Incoming Willardites,
Congratulations! Get ready for one of the best years of your life because, in addition to being accepted to Northwestern, you have also been accepted to live in Willard Residential College, a.k.a. “The Woo Shack”. Willard – on top of having some of the nicest rooms and best facilities on campus – boasts a rich history, a respected and dedicated Master staff, and a strong sense of community. What’s more, Willard’s “multi-thematic” status allows it to attract a wide array of interesting, intelligent, and driven students. Together, these factors make Willard one of the best places to live on campus.
Right now, going off to college may seem daunting, but Willard’s executive and central boards have planned a number of events during Wildcat Welcome to help the transition go smoothly. The adventure starts during Wildcat Welcome, when you will meet everyone in charge of Willard and learn a bit about its history. It continues with the Willard Formal, held during Fall Quarter and the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and party in style (and get to know each other). Last year it was held at Addler Planetarium, but the location is kept secret until a few weeks before the event. The Polka Party is during Winter Quarter and provides a much needed time to let off steam and forget about the fact that Chicago Winter’s are ridiculously cold and dreary. Willardites get decked out in the craziest, most clashing outfits they can find and head to the dance floor to polka (well sort of) the night away. The last two events are during Spring Quarter and let everyone enjoy the blooming campus. The Woo-Shep Olympics consist of a day of competitions between Willardites and the other multi-thematic Residential College called Shepard.. Shepard residents try their hardest but Willard has won the cup for the past 3 years, besting them in events such pie-eating contests, obstacle courses, and dodgeball. Finally, the Woo-Au Luau wraps up the year with slip ‘n slides, a barbecue and the infamous pudding wrestling. There’s nothing like running through the sorority quads, covered from head to toe in chocolate pudding and then jumping into Lake Michigan with your best friends. All of these activities bring everyone together in welcomed breaks from classes and are the source of the best memories you’ll have of the year. .
I hope your summer is going well and that this letter gives you a better idea of what to expect this fall. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail me at or check out the Wilard website at http://willard.ashaw02_orgu.com/ (currently under-construction so excuse any glitches).
On behalf of the Willard government, welcome again to Willard!
Best Wishes,
Ian Rinehart
Willard Residential College President