DANBURY, CONN. — On Friday, Aug. 28, more than 1,500 new students will walk through the wrought-iron gates at Western Connecticut State University as they begin their college careers here.

“WestConn begins its 106th year with excitement and energy,” said university President James W. Schmotter. “This year we have the largest enrollment in our history with 4,830 full-time undergraduate students. Despite state budget pressures, special retirements and hiring freezes, we have been able to staff the courses and develop the educational programs that our students will need to prepare for their futures. That’s why this university exists.”

The “Entering the Gates” ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury followed by the “Opening Ceremony” on the campus quad. The public is invited to the attend and students are asked to wear their “Start Something Great!” T-shirts. If it rains, the event will be held in the Ives Concert Hall in White Hall.

During the ceremony, alumna Maria Tomaino Parille, class of 1981, will address the crowd briefly and pass the 2013 class flag to her daughter, Kristi Marie Parille, of the class of 2013.

Among the many activities planned for students during “Welcome Week 2009” from Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Sept. 6, are informational sessions on date rape, movies and a “Clubs Carnival” introducing the various student organizations at WestConn.

The public is invited to join in several other activities:

• 6:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28: Manhattan String Quartet performs at Ives Concert Park on the university’s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Ext. in Danbury. Tickets will be $20 for adults, $15 for students and $10 for senior citizens and children and can be purchased at (203) 837-8499 or www.wcsu.edu/tickts. Seating will be limited.

• 8:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28: Hypnotist Brian Imbus, Ives Concert Hall.

• 10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28: Late Night Midtown Coffeehouse, Alumni Hall on the Midtown campus featuring singer/songwriter Natalie Gelman.

For a complete listing of events, visit www.wcsu.edu and click on “Welcome Week 2009,” or call the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.