The largest freshman class in Anderson University history began its college experience with a worship service and a march through the storied arch of the university per Anderson tradition as the new school year officially began on Sunday, Aug. 23.

Anderson students march through the arch twice in their college careers — once as freshmen on the Sunday before the beginning of classes with parents lining the sidewalks to cheer them on, and again at graduation where faculty offer a gauntlet of support as they conclude their college careers. This year there are 700 new freshmen and 120 transfer students, comprising the largest class of incoming students in AU history.

Evangelist Clayton King challenged the students to make the most of their pivotal college years in a family worship service, which featured music by Anderson’s music group, Authenticity.

The new class at AU is also one of the most academically qualified in school history. Anderson now leads private universities in South Carolina in the number of enrolled students who received merit-based state scholarships (Palmetto Fellows and Life scholarships).

During move-in weekend at Anderson University, scores of volunteers — from current students’ parents, to faculty and staff — descend on each new car as it arrives and quickly move the contents to the respective room of the new student. On Sunday, faculty and staff members eat and worship with the new families before parents head back to their respective homes and the students begin life at AU.

Returning students will notice some major changes on campus. A 400-foot radio tower that stood on campus for several decades was removed over the summer, making way for the construction of the new $18 million, 86,000-square-foot G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center, slated for completion in July 2016. At the athletic campus, students will enjoy a new recreational swimming pool, along with a new softball stadium and tennis center.