Welcome 2016-17 K Week Coordinators

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 2, 2016) — Summertime to most University of Kentucky students means getting ahead in summer courses, internships, studying abroad, employment or vacationing with family and friends. For two juniors, Pete Comparoni and Trent Patrick, it means devoting their time to leading hundreds of student leaders (K Crew) in putting the final touches on K Week, the university’s fall welcome week.

Designed to make the transition to college life at UK as smooth as possible, K Week is nine days with approximately 250 activities, sessions and social activities planned — each one offering a unique and exciting experience for incoming students.

Both Comparoni, a sociology major and criminology minor, and Patrick, a political science and sociology major with a pre-law track, signed up as freshmen for K Crew, followed by Super Crew as sophomores and finally they accepted the 18-month commitment as K Week coordinators.

Patrick, coming from a graduating high school class of 63 to a class of 5,000 here at UK, spoke about his transition as an incoming freshman and how his goal as a coordinator is to provide “the best way to help these new students transition in a way that would lead to their success.”

Comparoni’s favorite part of K Week is K Week Kick-off. "It is the first time the entire incoming class is in once place, and it is incredible to watch."

Patrick cites Big Blue U as his favorite event. “I love watching the excitement of new students as they sit with their class in Commonwealth Stadium,” Patrick said.

During his freshman year, Patrick says Big Blue U was the first moment where his life as a college student became reality.

Comparoni’s advice for incoming freshmen is simple: get involved.

"Get involved and take advantages of all the opportunities that UK has to offer,” Comparoni said.

Patrick agrees, “Enjoy the experience because it will pass quickly.”

Student organizations and departments interested in submitting a K Week event can do so here: https://orgsync.com/85753/forms/197711. Those interested in participating in We Are UK, an event that celebrates the uniqueness of the UK community, can submit their registration here: https://orgsync.com/85753/forms/196030.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uky4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Cox, 513-464-2548, aco264@uky.edu; or Blair Hoover, 859-257-6398, blair.hoover@uky.edu