With close to 100 volunteers from the university on hand to assist them, members of the class of 2013 could scarcely turn around without someone offering help or a greeting during the Aug. 15 freshman move-in day at Anderson University.
Members of AU’s freshman class begin their journey together by walking under the school’s archway.The university has a large class of new students that could represent an all-time record once the dust settles and final numbers are confirmed in a few weeks.
“Based on what we’re seeing, this year’s incoming class is at, or even over, the record number,” said Anderson president Evans Whitaker.
Admissions officials are expecting between 470 and 500 incoming freshmen but won’t know an exact number until classes have been underway for a few weeks. The school is also welcoming a large number of transfer students from other institutions.
Move-in weekend at AU featured some new traditions at the nearly 100-year-old university. It has been a tradition for freshmen to pass together under the school’s archway and down its landscaped walkway during the school’s “Welcome Week,” and again four years later as graduating seniors to symbolize the journey they’ve taken together. This year, parents lined the walkway in a show of support for their children.
Later, on Sunday morning, new students, their families, and AU faculty and staff gathered for a corporate worship service featuring Anderson’s traveling music ministry, “Mosaic,” and popular youth speaker Clayton King.
Landon Berry, parent of a freshman, told reporters gathered to cover move-in weekend that the experience was unlike anything he’d seen before.
“Being here today with (daughter) Isabelle really affirmed our decision,” Berry said. “There is a vision here at AU, and we really enjoy being here.” – AU