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The excitement was palpable as the Class of 2028 began their journey at ����ɫ��, moving into their campus dorms on a sunny Thursday morning.

Cars packed with boxes, furniture, and more lined up as volunteers (including University President Peter Kilpatrick) greeted families and helped unload the newest Cardinals’ belongings. Community members cheered for families upon their arrival, directed traffic, checked new students in, and answered any questions. 

“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Kilpatrick. “I’m always proud to see how hard our current students work to help the first-years move in; they’re the ones who make ����ɫ�� University such a warm and inviting place.” 

“What took us two days to pack in the car, they took out in 5 minutes,” she said.  

It’s all part of a culture of hospitality passed on from one generation of students to the next.

“First impressions only happen once,” said Resident Assistant Jonathan Patron as he stood on the Centennial Village sidewalk handing out parking maps and giving directions to families. 

Orientation student coordinator Anisa Ellis, a nursing senior, said when she first moved in that the seamless and friendly process reassured her family that she was in good hands. That’s a feeling she wants every student and each family to experience when they arrive. 

“It’s about meeting and welcoming each student where they are,” Ellis said before running off to help out another student. “We go all out in a way you don’t find at other schools.” 

This year’s move-in day theme was Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, featuring an upbeat soundtrack and dorm hall  decorations inspired by friendship bracelets popular among fans. Taking the energetic warm welcome to a different level, Campus Ministry also blessed the residence halls.