Pirate Adventures at Southwestern University offer new first-year and transfer students the chance to be immersed in a smaller community of peers during Welcome Week. With a wide array of trips, Pirate Adventures provide students with opportunities for discovery, connection, and lots of fun! These adventures are just a taste of the spectacular opportunities Southwestern has to offer.
Members of the amazing Southwestern faculty and staff will serve as your guides on these Adventures, which they have chosen to welcome you to SU. In addition to these Adventures, you will meet dedicated Pirate employees and, most importantly, other students.
Registration is now closed. Thank you!
Sign-ups will be limited, and trip sizes may vary from a few people to 20. Secure your spot today!
Pick Your Adventure
- Friday, August 23: Where the Wild Ones Are - Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Tour
Friday, August 23 | 1:00 p.m.
Take a tour of All Things Wild Rehabilitation Center (about 10 miles north of the SU campus in eastern Williamson County). SU already has many connections with ATW - including currently 3D printing a new bill for an injured duck. Several students have completed academic internships at ATW. and I’m an active volunteer with them. They are the only wildlife rehabilitation center in the county. Students would go to the center, meet the ambassador animals (including a white pelican, a duck, a skunk, a raccoon, several raptors), and see animals who are currently being rehabilitated (there will likely be some fawns, some squirrels, some other orphans). There will be a brief educational presentation in the ATW Little Red School House to start. And food and drink after.
About the Trip Leader:
Dr. Laura Hobgood (active volunteer)
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/25828-laura-hobgood - Friday, August 23: Community Service at The Caring Place
Friday, August 23 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
This exclusive three-hour Adventure offers students a unique opportunity to serve and learn at The Caring Place. All students will receive an in-depth introduction and tour of the facilities, a chance to actively contribute, and attend a special reception to meet some of the dedicated staff of The Caring Place. Since 1985, The Caring Place has provided for the basic human needs of all people in our Central Texas community in a welcoming, respectful, and caring way. The Caring Place is a community-based, community-supported, and community-serving organization.
About the Trip Leader: Glenn Schwab
https://www.southwesternpirates.com/information/staff/schwab.glenn?view=bio - Friday, August 23: Singles (double elimination) Pickleball Tournament
Friday, August 23 | 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Come to the Corbin J. Robertson Center (Wazel Indoor Courts) to play in a double elimination singles tournament with other new Pirates. There will be a quick review of the rules and proper technique at the beginning. The coaches, who also teach Pickleball, will design and keep track of the bracket as well as offer individual tips between matches for interested players.
About the Trip Leaders: Mike Markland and Bill Bowman
https://southwesternpirates.com/sports/m-lacros/coaches/markland.mike?view=bio
https://southwesternpirates.com/sports/m-lacros/coaches/bowman_bill?view=bio - Friday, August 23: Game On! ATX Vintage Game Shows
Friday, August 23 | 1:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to feel the joy of spinning the big wheel or the thrill of a buzzer showdown? Come live out your greatest game show daydreams as we venture down to GameOn! ATX! A live host will lead us through games inspired by classic TV game shows. Participants will be split into two teams to compete in their hot new takes on your favorite game show games.
About the Trip Leader: Lauren Strilich
Lauren is the Director of Annual Giving, raising money for Southwestern. Lauren volunteers with the Junior League of Austin and enjoys baking, crafting, and watching sports with her husband, Jess, and their dog, Farley. - Friday, August 23: Abra-Card-Abra
Friday, August 23 | 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Learn a variety of simple but spectacular card tricks, as well as the principles behind effective presentation. If you’ve never touched a playing card before or have been practicing magic for years, this adventure is the perfect place for you to work on a skill that is great for breaking the ice when meeting new people, strengthening friendships by sharing the art, and bringing joy to everyone you share it with! Snacks and a free deck of cards will be provided.
About the Trip Leader: Evan Alexander
Evan is the Coordinator of Student Activities, giving guidance to student organizations and advising the University Programming Council, which hosts concerts, comedians, karaoke, craft nights, and more on campus. He has been doing card magic for more than seven years! He also owns almost 500 decks of cards, which is completely unnecessary. - Friday, August 23: Cine las Americas
Friday, August 23 | 2:00 p.m.
¡Vamos al cine! Expande tus horizontes cinematográficos. Experimenta narraciones cautivadoras y diversas culturas de habla hispana con Cine las Américas. ¡Ven a ver una película, come palomitas, y escapa del calor! Emprende un viaje que trasciende fronteras, todo desde tu asiento en el cine. (La película se decidirá una vez que el horario esté disponible).
Let’s go to the movies! Expand your cinematic horizons. Experience captivating storytelling and diverse Spanish-speaking cultures with Cine las Américas. Come see a film, eat some popcorn, and escape the heat! Take a journey that transcends borders, all from your seat in the theater. (Film will be decided once the schedule is available).About the Trip Leader: Dr. Katy Ross
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/25764-katy-ross - Friday, August 23: Pirate Adventure Golfing
Friday, August 23 | 4:00 p.m.
Austin is one of the best golfing cities in American. This Pirate Adventure Golf Outing is a great way to meet others who share your passion for golf and make new friends here at Southwestern University. Participants need to bring or rent their own clubs.
About the Trip Leader: Dr. Daniel Vasquez
Dr. Daniel Vasquez has been in higher education for over 25 years. Currently he is the Director of Campus Recreation. Before coming to Southwestern University, he worked at Texas A&M Kingsville, The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas State University and Tarleton State University. He holds degrees in Exercise and Sports Science as well as Kinesiology. - Friday, August 23: The Great Pirate Escape
RSVP CLOSED. Friday, August 23 | 3:00 p.m.
Our new pirates will try to escape - get this - A Pirate’s Curse at Escapology, an escape room in Round Rock. What better way to start your Pirate experience than trying to escape it?
About the Trip Leader: Dr. Stacie Brown
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/25705-stacie-brown - Friday, August 23: Dead Man’s Cell Phone at the Georgetown Palace
Friday, August 23 | 6:30 p.m.
Tickets to attend the play Dead Man’s Cell Phone at the Palace Theater on Georgetown’s historic square. This event should appeal to students who enjoy attending plays and arts events and is for FIX theater majors and others. Additionally, this event will introduce new SU students to some of the amazing things going on locally in the Georgetown theater scene.
About the Trip Leader: Kerry Bechtel
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/25845-kerry-bechtel - Saturday, August 24: Sky and Fly
RSVP CLOSED. Saturday, August 24 | 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
This adrenaline packed adventure begins with zip-lining in the Texas Hill Country at Zip Lost Pines in Bastrop. We then head indoors to cool off with indoor skydiving at iFLY in Austin. We finish up the day with burgers and Amy’s ice cream next door, then head back to campus to say our goodbyes and get ready for the school year to begin.
About the Trip Leader: Branndon Bargo
Branndon Bargo is the Assistant Director for Southwestern’s Outdoor Adventure program. He has led large and difficult expeditions to Uganda, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and more than 50 other countries. He competes in the world’s most difficult endurance events to keep in shape for his expeditions, including the world’s toughest canoe race, and the world’s toughest one-day mountain bike race in Bhutan. - Saturday, August 24: Overcoming Obstacles (but first, coffee)
Saturday, August 24 | 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered how you would do on Wipeout or American Ninja Warrior? This is your chance to find out! In this Pirate Adventure, incoming Pirates will join the Outdoor Adventure (OA) program, for an excursion in the Austin area. Test your strength and agility skills by navigating the obstacle course at Ninja Nation and conquering the water obstacle course at QuestATX. In this excursion, you will also have a chance to learn how to wakeboard and visit one of Georgetown’s best coffee shops.
About the Trip Leader: Cynthia Cisneros
Cynthia Cisneros is the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at SU who loves the outdoors, furry friends, and staying active. This includes hiking, running, tennis, swimming, jump rope, and rock climbing. She is a huge fan of coffee and sweet treats! - Saturday, August 24: Community Service at The Caring Place
Saturday, August 24 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
This exclusive three-hour Adventure offers students a unique opportunity to serve and learn at The Caring Place. All students will receive an in-depth introduction and tour of the facilities, a chance to actively contribute, and attend a special reception to meet some of the dedicated staff of The Caring Place. Since 1985, The Caring Place has provided for the basic human needs of all people in our Central Texas community in a welcoming, respectful, and caring way. The Caring Place is a community-based, community-supported, and community-serving organization.
About the Trip Leader: Glenn Schwab
https://www.southwesternpirates.com/information/staff/schwab.glenn?view=bio - Saturday, August 24: Who’s Zooing Who?
Saturday, August 24 | 9:30 a.m.
Students will be transported to the Austin-Metro Zoo. Dr. Katz, the VP for Student Life will make this more than an ordinary Zoo Adventure. It will include getting to know one another, food, and learning (something about a metaphor!). This is no ordinary zoo and Dr. Katz is no ordinary Adventure guide.
About the Trip Leader: Brit Katz
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/42877-brit-katz/_ingredients/templates/details/prev.php - Saturday, August 24: Explore the Racial and Cultural Neighborhoods of Georgetown
Saturday, August 24 | 10:30 a.m.
Sections of Southeast Georgetown were inhabited primarily by African-American and Hispanic/Latinex residents. Learn some history of the Track, Ridge and Grasshopper, and the San Jose Neighborhoods. Visit and take photos at the Shotgun House Museum, the Carver Center for Families, and the shrine in San Jose. Soul Food included.
About the Trip Leader: SU Chaplain Ron Swain
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/news/15377-ron-swain-to-assume-su-chaplain-duties - Saturday, August 24: Greater Georgetown Taco Crawl
Saturday, August 24 | 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Embark on a taco adventure across Georgetown! Over several hours, we will visit five or six locations in the area, sampling a different taco at each restaurant or taco truck. Stops/tacos may include: breakfast tacos close to campus; guajillo shrimp tacos at a location from west Georgetown; birria tacos on the Square; and more! Along the way, we will tour our local environment, including drives through Hill Country and a walk around the Georgetown Square.
About the Trip Leader: Dr. John Ross
https://www.johnrossmath.com/
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/25774-john-ross - Saturday, August 24: Arts and Sciences in the Wild
Saturday, August 24 | 10:30 a.m.
Take a short hike in the wilderness just east of Austin, Texas at the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. We will be led on a guided tour identifying flora of the region and wildlife that inhabits this area. The Wild Basin Creative Research Center is just 40 minutes south and west of Georgetown. There are several short, planned hikes and after the hiking tour we will have an ice cream treats in the air-conditioned Welcome Center. While having ice cream we will use the flora you collected on the hike to create your original botanical art work. Rain or shine you will be able to create your creative art project. Start your SU voyage with original artwork to hang in your room that captures a lasting memory of this new chapter in your life.
About the Trip Leader: Dr.Desi Roybal
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/25846-desi-roybal - Saturday, August 24: Typhoon Texas Waterpark
RSVP CLOSED. Saturday, August 24 | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cool off at the 23-acre Typhoon Texas Waterpark. The park features a giant wave pool, a gully washer, a massive pool, a 1,000 ft long lazy river, and several multi-slide towers featuring speed slides, tube slides and 6-lane mat racer slide. A wide variety of food is available in addition to shaded tables.
About the Trip Leader: Dr. Jeff Doyle
https://deepthoughtshed.com/jeffs-bio/ - Friday, August 23: Ahoy, Book Lovers!
Friday, August 23 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Exploring “How to Be Perfect” by Michael Schur
Join us for an engaging and enlightening activity. We will delve into the witty and thought-provoking book “How to Be Perfect” by Michael Schur from the creator of The Good Place and the co creator of Parks and Recreation, a hilarious, thought-provoking guide to living an ethical life, drawing on 2,400 years of deep thinking from around the world.
Students will have the opportunity to fill out a TexShare card, granting them access to a wide range of resources and libraries across Texas. Next, we’ll take a trip to the Georgetown Public Library, where we will discuss the book and enjoy delicious treats at the charming Little Lemon Cafe, providing a perfect setting to reflect on our discussions and make new friends.
- Saturday, August 24: Mind, Body, and Soul
Saturday, August 24 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Following the first week on campus, come to the Robertson Center to chill out. This Adventure is for those seeking relaxation. In just three hours, participants will be guided through yoga, meditation, and a salt bath (best to come with a fairly empty stomach before yoga). BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat)
About the Trip Leader: Dr. Sima Sobhiyeh
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/43396-sima-sobhiyeh/_ingredients/templates/details/prev.php - Saturday, August 24: Inner Space Caverns Trek
Saturday, August 24 | 1:00 p.m.
Want to take a trip down under? Go no further, or lower, than Georgetown’s Inner Space Caverns. It is cool and you will always see it near I-35 and wonder…
About the Trip Leader: Bri Pierce
Bri is the Manager of Student Transitions & Leadership and previously worked as SU’s Coordinator of the JEDI Center. Bri works to engage students in their outside-of-the-classroom education experience. Bri also enjoys a good adventure! Join her in exploring the Caverns near campus. - Saturday, August 24: Explore Austin
Saturday, August 24 | 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Southwestern Pirates are invited on a trip to South Austin to participate in a few quintessential ATX experiences! The trip will begin at Home Slice Pizza for an early dinner, followed by a leisurely stroll down South Congress Ave. where students may visit the numerous shops and sights along the way. We will finish the evening by watching the Congress Ave. Bridge Bats leave their home at sunset. Walking distance may total about two miles round trip.
About the Trip Leader: Adrian D. Ramirez
https://www.southwestern.edu/live/profiles/41860-adrian-ramirez/_ingredients/templates/details/prev.php
A former Austinite, Adrian enjoys visiting the city whenever possible and South Austin specifically.
Contact:
Brianna Pierce
su-pa@southwestern.edu