PSOA welcomed incoming and returning students by hosting their annual fall student welcome event, offering a fun afternoon filled with activities like live student performances, photo ops, a networking fair, and free pizza.
The fall welcome event gives incoming students the opportunity to see all that PSOA has to offer and helps them better transition into college life with ample chances to build connections with other students.
“I’m interested in meeting people who have the same interests as me,” said freshman animation major Hailey David. “In my hometown there’s not a lot of opportunities for artists. In Milwaukee, there’s more opportunity for me to meet people and grow.”
Every Peck School of the Arts department was represented in the event’s activities. The networking fair hosted community arts organizations, showing how students can get involved with career-building opportunities during their time at UWM and what lies ahead for them after graduation.
“This is my first time studying in an actual city and even just going around the career fair, I see that there’s a lot to look forward to.” said Evan Goodson, who is studying for a graduate certificate in french horn performance.
Centering on a hands-on collaborative approach to learning, many incoming freshmen have already found their calling and have begun to build lifelong friendships. That makes the transition to college feel less stressful.
“Everybody has been super positive so far,” said Neeko Ward, a first-year musical theatre major. “It’s been a lot easier than I thought it would be to be honest. I really like the people I’m working with.”
Story by Payton Murphy ’27 (BFA, Film) | Video by Cameron Wise ’25 (BFA, Film)