ΊμΠΣΆΜΚΣΖ΅ State University unveils Racer Welcome Week
By Trish Lofton | Jun 4, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. β ΊμΠΣΆΜΚΣΖ΅ State University is excited to announce the rebranding of its long-standing student welcome program β formerly known as Great Beginnings β to Racer Welcome Week.
The new name reflects the University's commitment to fostering school spirit, strengthening campus connections and creating a memorable start to the academic year for all students.
For many years, Great Beginnings has served as ΊμΠΣΆΜΚΣΖ΅ State's official welcome program, helping students transition to campus life through engaging activities, educational programs and opportunities to connect with fellow Racers. As the University continues to evolve, the transition to Racer Welcome Week provides a refreshed identity that better aligns with ΊμΠΣΆΜΚΣΖ΅ State's proud Racer tradition and enhances recognition among both new and returning students.
βRacer Welcome Week captures the excitement, energy and sense of belonging that define the ΊμΠΣΆΜΚΣΖ΅ State experience,β said Trish Lofton, Curris Center administrative assistant and chair of the Racer Welcome Week organizing committee. βThis rebranding honors the strong foundation established by Great Beginnings while creating a more recognizable and inclusive program that celebrates what it means to be a Racer.β
Racer Welcome Week will continue to feature many of the traditions and experiences students have come to enjoy, including move-in activities, campus-wide events, involvement opportunities, social gatherings and programs designed to help students build meaningful connections before the start of classes.
The new name also reinforces the University's focus on student engagement and community. By incorporating the Racer identity into the program's branding, ΊμΠΣΆΜΚΣΖ΅ State aims to strengthen student pride and create a cohesive welcome experience that begins the moment students arrive on campus.
The inaugural Racer Welcome Week will begin on Wednesday, August 12 and will offer a full schedule of events designed to help students feel connected, supported and prepared for success. Events can be found online at or by downloading Yapp from the Google or Apple store and using the code MURRAYSTUNIV to access the event guide. For more information or questions, please contact Trish Lofton at 270-809-6921 or by email at plofton@murraystate.edu.