The University will reveal the new colonel mascot Thursday as part of Welcome Back Day in the Quadrangle alongside a pep rally and more than 40 tables featuring information and prizes from various departments and student organizations.The physical Colonel Tillou mascot will make his first public appearance at 11:30 a.m., followed by the pep rally.

The Welcome Back Day committee, consisting of several campus departments, is sponsoring the event, themed “Colonels Go Hollywood.” Campus and community groups will be working tables where students can learn about different programs, organizations and activities.

The Welcome Back Day committee will host a contest to find the most spirited group on campus based on the percentage of the groups participating, their use of Nicholls colors, creativity, incorporation of theme and opportunity for student participation. Each group will feature a game to be played, rewarding students with prizes for correct answers.

“We encourage all students organizations and departments to do an engagement activity of some sort,” Sabrina Laurent, co-chair of the Welcome Back Day committee, said.

“The winners will receive the Most Spirited Trophy for a year,” Michael Matherne, director of campus recreation and co-chair of the Welcome Back Day committee, said. “It’s held by the Dyslexia Center right now, but I hear they’ll have some competition this year.”

Coke and Pepsi representatives will give away drinks at the event, and the Student Programming Association will provide food, including jambalaya, nachos and assorted beverages. Sodexo will also be catering the event.

“This is a great opportunity for students to have interaction with faculty and staff, and for faculty and staff to give out info to students,” Matherne said. “It’s a great way for the administration to show appreciation for students choosing Nicholls.