Video recap by Columbia College Video Production Strategists Mark Baumgartner and Dustin Hawkins
A surge of energy marked Columbia College’s 2026 Welcome Week in Columbia, Missouri, as new students joined the Cougar community and prepared for the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
Five days of activities facilitated by the college’s Division of Student Experience culminated in the popular Storm the Gate tradition on the evening of Sunday, Aug. 30, ahead of the first day of classes Monday, Aug. 31, for Columbia College students nationwide.
During Storm the Gate, first-year students on the Columbia campus symbolically entered the college through the historic Rogers Gate onto Bass Commons. Returning students, faculty, staff and community members assembled along the route to cheer for the newcomers before everyone enjoyed cups of Andy’s Frozen Custard, a longtime sponsor of the event.
The 15th edition of Storm the Gate came during Columbia College’s 175th anniversary year.
“This creates a really important first crossing into the college for our students. When they finish their degree, they will go back out through the gate,” President Dr. Toby Arquette told KOMU TV. “This tradition represents them joining our community then and launching out into the world. It’s a memorable moment that I hope they will remember years from now. I’m so happy and privileged to celebrate it with this year’s freshman class.”
Residential students moved into Banks Hall, Hughes Hall, New Hall and Cougar Village on Wednesday, Aug. 26, with support from their families and college staff members.
Move-In Day was capped by Scooter’s Backyard Bash that evening, featuring hot dogs, sand volleyball and more.
Freshman Pares Chapple, of Hannibal, Missouri, said he tried to attend every Welcome Week activity he could as he adjusts to this next chapter of life.
“Everyone has been welcoming here,” said Chapple, a student in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business and member of the Business Competition Team. “The First-Year Mentors (FYMs) have been friendly and encouraging, and being around them has helped me. I’m excited for the school year.”
Freshman Ashlyn Hughes, of Hermann, Missouri, said the events helped her branch out beyond her teammates on the Women’s Track and Field Team.
“It’s like a breath of fresh air just getting here and knowing I have the guidance that I need to be successful,” said Hughes, a student in the School of Public Service.
Students jumped right into an action-packed first full day on Thursday, Aug. 27, highlighted by Ignite CC in the Southwell Complex. During this gathering, students met their new classmates while learning about campus resources and traditions.
Friday, Aug. 28, featured a Wellness Fair in the morning and then Cougar Kickoff, an evening of activities, games and kickball hosted by Residential Life.
A soccer doubleheader sweep by the Cougars (women won 7-2 and men won 3-1) at R. Marvin Owens Field on Saturday, Aug. 29, provided a hub of community, happening alongside a Crafternoon in Stafford Library for those interested in a peaceful afternoon of crafting before classes began.
Storm the Gate capped the week of connection ahead of the fall semester.
“I remember how it was when I was a freshman, so it is fun to connect with our new students and share the good traditions that we have,” said senior Abby Harper, who serves as an FYM. “All of our traditions are really fun, and Storm the Gate is the very first one. It brings a lot of spirit.
“I see a lot of professors here and it brings our community together.”
