An estimated 520 new freshmen moved onto the campus of Anderson University Saturday, Aug. 17, as the new academic year got underway with Welcome Week festivities for new students.
Anderson is one of three South Carolina universities affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
If enrollment estimates hold, this year’s class would be the second largest freshmen group in AU history, less than 10 below the record set last year. Also, a near-record 115-120 transfer students will come to Anderson for a total of 635-640 new students. Final numbers will take weeks to compile, but the yniversity expects to reach 3,000 in total enrollment for the first time in its history in 2013.
Teams of volunteers swarmed to the loaded cars and trucks of new students and their families to give welcoming hugs and move boxes and clothes into residence halls. Unseasonably cool weather was an added bonus for the arriving families.
Becky Moore, a parent moving her son to college, echoed the sentiments of dozens of others who thanked AU via its Facebook page. “Thank you so much for making what I thought was going to be a painful weekend a really awesome experience! The positive energy on campus was GREAT! Even though it hurt to say goodbye, it feel so wonderful to know our son is in such GODLY hands at AU!”
Sunday featured a time-honored tradition for Anderson University students, as members of the incoming freshman class marched under the storied arch at the front of the campus, symbolically beginning their college careers. (Graduating students march through the arch at May commencement, signifying the conclusion of their college years.) Students and their families joined Anderson staff and faculty in two matriculation services in Henderson Auditorium, after which students will worship in churches throughout the Anderson area. Evangelist Clayton King delivered the message, and music was provided by Mosaic, Anderson’s traveling praise and worship musical ensemble.
New students engaged in Welcome Week, a fun and informative introduction to college life Sunday through Tuesday, with classes beginning on Wednesday, August 21.