Elmhurst College welcomes 900 new students
More than 900 new first-year and transfer students spent the past week getting better acquainted with Elmhurst College, their academic home for the next few years.
Arriving on Aug. 21, several hundred first-year students moved into residence halls and began new student orientation activities. Bringing family and friends for support - and extra help carrying bags, bedding, mini-fridges and fans - the students settled into their rooms, met their roommates and explored the campus.
The new students joined returning students and graduate students for the start of classes Monday, Aug. 19.
At the Family Welcome, President Troy D. VanAken reassured parents their students would be in good hands.
"I want you to know that all of us have been working very hard to get the campus ready for your young women and men," he said. "As they begin their Elmhurst journey, please know that we have provided a setting for them where they will thrive."
Then the students said goodbye to their families and started to learn more about each other and campus life. Their packed schedules included meeting their first-year seminar classmates and faculty members, taking part in a community service project and tackling an adventure obstacle course.
They also took some time to explore their values and learn about making the transition to college life.
During the New Student Convocation ceremony, Connie Mixon, interim vice president for academic affairs, welcomed the students to "our ever-widening circle of students, alumni, staff, faculty, trustees and friends who have found a sense of belonging at Elmhurst … You are here because we know you have the ability, talent and determination to succeed. We are investing in you, and will do everything in our power to help you succeed, both inside and outside of the classroom."
VanAken shared some fun facts about the Class of 2023.
"One of you was voted Best Hair in your senior class, one of you won the 2018 American Legion national championship in youth shooting sports, and one of you raised prizewinning show rabbits."
He also noted that the Class of 2023 includes a part-time plumber and a wooden-pen carver, as well as a number of enterprising musicians who write songs, deejay, perform at weddings, and have even released albums.
"Finally, one of you says you've broken 40-plus bones. I assume these are 40 of your own bones, right?" he asked, drawing laughter.
"Each of you brings distinctive gifts to your class and this campus," he said. "Individually and together, you will achieve great things. We look forward to getting to know all of you, and to sharing this special place with you."