New students assembled in McGrath-Phillips Arena according to their residence halls. New commuter and graduate students were also included. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

Doug Bruno, women’s basketball head coach, fired up the crowd of new students in McGrath-Phillips Arena. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

New students showed their excitement during the first Blue Demon Welcome held at the Lincoln Park Campus. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

(Left to right) Kevin Holechko, SGA president; Sonia Soltero, president of Faculty Council; and Dani Blackwell, vice president of Staff Council lead the procession into the Quad. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

Students carried college banners into the Quad while being cheered on by faculty, staff and returning students. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

The Quad buzzed with excitement throughout the event. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

Chris Anthony, assistant professor in The Theatre School, served as emcee during the event. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

President Rob Manuel greeted the students who packed the Lincoln Park Campus Quad on a sunny and warm September afternoon. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

Martine Kei Green-Rogers, dean of The Theatre School, cheers along with Theatre School students as each dean welcomed students from their college. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

Performers from the Blue Man Group surprised the audience at the conclusion of the event. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

As the Blue Man Group made their way from University Hall to the stage, they posed for hundreds of selfies with enthusiastic students. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

Holechko and Magoli Garcia, vice president of SGA, became part of the act, protecting themselves from being doused with paint from the Blue Man Group. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

After the program and performances, students lined up for the Chicago Food Festival including Garrett’s popcorn, Home Run Inn Pizza, Rainbow Cone, Chicago dogs, street tacos and a Chinese food station. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

Students danced late into the afternoon. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)