Singer-songwriter and Abilene Christian University alumnus Aaron Watson (’00) will headline a concert with Jenna Paulette at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Moody Coliseum as one of the premiere events of Wildcat Week, ACU’s official welcoming and orientation program for incoming students.

Tickets to the concert are available to the public now, and ACU students will have free entry by scanning a QR code in Moody Coliseum through the Compass app.

“I am excited to see how students, alumni and the Abilene community will all join together for a night of fun at this concert,” said PJ Martinez, associate dean for student engagement.

Wildcat Week, Aug. 22-26, is ACU’s extended orientation program to provide new students with opportunities for spiritual growth, academic success and social excellence as they transition to new life in Abilene.

The week’s activities kick off the morning of Aug. 22 when incoming students begin to move into their new residence halls. That night, they’ll participate in the annual Candlelight Devo at 9 p.m. at the Beauchamp Amphitheatre. On Wednesday, freshmen will explore Abilene at numerous locations throughout the city and end the day with a movie at 9 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium. Thursday features an introduction to spiritual life on campus, as well as Mentor Group Olympics at Moody Coliseum in the afternoon and Late Night Worship at Boone Family Theater at 10:30 p.m. Students will further explore Abilene on Friday, and the day concludes with the concert from Watson and Paulette.

Saturday, the final day of Wildcat Week, features Onward Wildcats from 10-11 p.m. at the Beauchamp Amphitheatre to wrap up the first week for incoming students. During this event, the Wildcat Week student directors will provide students with their insights and perspectives on how to be successful at ACU. The event allows incoming students to learn from their student directors in a simple and relaxed setting after an exciting and high-energy week.

“Our move in shirts this year have ‘You belong here’ written on them,” Martinez said. “That’s the hope of Wildcat Week – for incoming students to know that they belong here at ACU.”

Learn more about Wildcat Week.

— Connor Mullins

Aug. 18, 2023