Move-in day at liberty university
Red carts and rousing cheers from hundreds of volunteers greeted new students move-in day on Wednesday August 16. These first few days are some of the busiest and most exciting times on campus. Jeremiah Fenn, a freshman at Liberty, agreed.
“We had a whole entire crew help us move in,” Fenn said. “(I loved) all the cheering. Just for simply being in the same dorm room.” There were plenty of cheers to go around, with the student leadership body of RAs (resident assistants), RSs (resident shepherds) and CGLs (Christian group leaders) helping move in students. Four or more volunteers surrounded each car pulling up to unload and had the incoming students unpacked and moved into their dorm room within minutes. Parents appreciated the gesture as well.
“I think this is amazing, how everybody is cheering them. The enthusiasm and the welcome is just…cool.” Erica Matney, a Liberty parent, said.
Freshman Lauren Heyfenstall didn’t even need the welcome to enjoy arriving.
“I love LU. Ever since I went to CFAW in the fall, I’ve just been counting down the days. I love all the people. They’re just so sweet (and) confident. It’s a great atmosphere,” Heyfenstall said.
The student leadership loved move-in day just as much as the freshmen. Maddie Albright, a CGL, enjoyed helping the new students especially.
“This is my first year (as a CGL), but it’s just been so cool, being the first face that they see and being a good welcoming presence to make them feel comfortable on their first day here,” Albright said.
Along with student leadership, both the newly appointed President Dondi Costin, and Chancellor and Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell joined the move in crews, meeting freshmen and families.
“This is an extraordinary, exciting day — it’s like our Super Bowl – as we see all of these students coming in so excited, (and) their parents excited, knowing that they’re dropping their precious cargo off at the greatest university in the world,” President Costin said.
Chancellor Falwell has a deep fondness for move-in day. His favorite part is watching the parents drop off their kids.
“I’ve done this four times now with my kids. So, watching the parents come in and go through that mixed emotion of hating the fact that they’re leaving their kid at school, but loving the fact that this the next part of the journey is a cool thing.” Chancellor Falwell said.
“(The) parents recognize that this university is different than a lot of other universities, because of what God has intended for it to be,” Falwell said. “They feel a little bit better because they’re putting their kids into the hands of a lot of people here on this campus who understand what it means to be a Champion for Christ.”
Wineman is the B-section copy editor for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter
