By staff
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana College rolled out the welcome mat Aug. 12 for the largest incoming class in in the institution’s 115-year history, 350 freshmen.
Upperclassmen and faculty members assisted the freshmen as they moved into various dormitories on campus. Local churches and businesses also were on hand for a block party on the campus lawn during Move-in Day.
“I am so grateful for the favor of the Lord on Louisiana College,” LC President Rick Brewer said. “All our faculty, staff and I enjoyed helping our freshman get on campus and meet our new Wildcats and welcome back our returning ones. It’s going to be a blessed year.”
Brewer also said he was excited to welcome 41 international students among the large freshman class who arrived on campus.
“The most important thing is that families, parents, pastors and others are realizing the value of Christian education as a college that looks and interprets culture through the lens of scripture instead of interpreting the scripture through the lens of culture,” Brewer told the Baptist Message.
Michelle Iroh, a freshman from Saskatchewan, Canada, was excited about suiting up for the school’s volleyball team and getting accustomed to life in the United States.
“I can’t wait to meet all the new people and experience Louisiana’s culture,” Iroh said. “Everyone seems so welcoming and ready to start what we hope will be a great year.”
Brewer said Move-in Day was particularly special for Gage Dowling, the new director of residence life and student engagement at the school.
“With this being one of the largest classes in LC’s history; that means it will be more fun than ever,” Dowling said. “You can see how excited students are as they arrived on campus.”
Students filed into an on-campus dormitory during Louisiana College’s Move-in Day, Aug. 12. The event drew the largest incoming freshman class in the school’s 115-year history. Brian Blackwell photo
Ariel Webster, a senior from Lafayette, is starting her second year as a Wildcat Navigator.
“When I first came to LC, I didn’t know anyone and on Move-In Day my parents were in a rush to get back home so I was left alone in a completely new place, and scared,” Webster said. “The reason I love being a Navigator and being able to be there for them for anything that they need is so that no one has to feel that way, and I want them to know that from the very beginning of their new journey that I am there for them.
“I got the joy of meeting a lot of new faces here on campus and making their transition from home to college as smooth as possible in any way that I can. From guiding them around campus, answering and helping them with any questions they may have, to making friends and having fun teaching them about LC.”
She said Move-in Day was fun but Welcome Weekend will be a blast – but it is just a beginning for the incoming freshmen.
Move-in Day kicked off Welcome Week, which was a time of orientation and numerous activities that included a service project and “The Awakening” revival featuring evangelist Curtis Zackery. Classes for the fall semester, which began Aug. 16.
