The first week of school ended with a blast with the Back to School Jam featuring a band called *69 (a name derived from the call-back service). The event was part of an initiative by the Student Life Office to welcome students back to school.

"We all remember the first week of school: students spend endless hours completing paperwork and trying to find their way amongst the confusing maze of buildings. They are busy with registration, buying books, and just standing in a lot of lines. We wanted to provide them with a relaxing atmosphere at the end of the first week," said Taylor Boyd, Student Life director.

This year’s Back to School Jam also featured HPU dancers and cheerleaders. "The cheerleaders made my heart drop. They were thrown 15 feet in the air," said Melissa Laudise, senior, a spectator.

The band performed in the afternoon, mainly to the lunchtime crowd on the mall. "I thought they were great," said Laudise.

"We try to choose a band based on what we think the students will like," said Boyd. Other criteria include availability and price range.