Judson welcomes students to campus for fall semester

Judson University in Elgin welcomed its newest students to campus Thursday as they unloaded their belongings into new dorm rooms.

Students will be moving in through the weekend ahead of the fall semester beginning Monday at the Christian liberal arts university.

The Welcome Weekend kickoff event Thursday includes dinner with Judson President Gene Crume.

On Friday, Crume will welcome parents for breakfast. Later in the day, he will meet with parents for an informational session about ways they can stay connected with their students.

Resident, commuter and transfer students will be able to register their vehicles and attend sessions about basic expectations and academic life. The day will include an ice cream social and the weekend's capstone event, the commissioning chapel service.

Students will partner with upperclassmen and select professors for an "Explore Elgin" event Friday night when they will dine at various restaurants in downtown Elgin.

Judson leadership will meet at Danny's on Douglas with local dignitaries to celebrate the new academic year. When students return to campus, they will cap the evening with an outdoor movie on the lawn of the Commons.

On Saturday, students will attend more information sessions, participate in a self-guided Pokemon Go event, a roundtable discussion with upperclassmen, a women's volleyball game against Indiana University-Northwest, and a bonfire.

The final day of Welcome Weekend begins with a morning service in Herrick Chapel, more games and dorm activities, and a special performance by Green Room Improv, a comedic improv ensemble that got its start at Judson.

"We are so excited to welcome our new students and families to Judson," said Rachel Hamann, director of Student Life. "Our intention for Welcome Weekend is to create opportunities for deep and lasting connections between new students, families and Judson University."