Judson welcomes new students, families to Elgin

Judson University kicked off its orientation weekend Thursday with new students moving into residence halls at its Elgin campus.

More than 1,200 students, of whom 200 are new, begin classes Monday. Judson draws roughly 76 percent of its student population from Illinois and Wisconsin, with the remainder coming from 18 other states and eight countries, some from as far away as Brisbane, Australia.

Judson Student Organization leaders, admissions staff and President Gene Crume helped new students get settled into their home for the next four years.

Instead of an on-campus dinner, the nearly 500 students, parents, faculty and staff members were urged to patronize restaurants and businesses in downtown Elgin, and enjoy the local attractions.

"We want our parents to feel comfortable about their young people being in a great community," Crume said. "We also want to show the citizens of Elgin the economic engine that Judson is ... bringing all that commerce to downtown Elgin. One of the most exciting things is our partnership with the Downtown Neighborhood Association. We want them to explore downtown Elgin."

Participating restaurants offered discounts ranging from 10 to 15 percent.

Weekend orientation activities include talking to parents about the uniqueness of the Judson community and a special prayer service for parents Saturday morning at Herrick Chapel, Crume said.

Also on Saturday, there will be a women's volleyball game against Governor's State University at 3 p.m. in the Lindner Fitness Center, and Greenroom Improv, founded by Judson alum Dave Hunter, will entertain the crowd from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the chapel.

"We want the families to leave really excited," Crume said.