Welcome Home activities brought Freed-Hardeman’s campus back to life Saturday, Aug. 16, as years of big dreams, thoughtful plans and fervent prayers came to fruition for nearly 400 new students. Smiling faces from across the FHU community showed up in full force to make sure every new Lion felt right at home.
Cars piled high with boxes, room decor and other college essentials, new students and their families made their first stop of the day in the parking lot of Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Center. Here brightly clad faculty, staff and student volunteers were on hand to offer welcome gift bags and instructions for the day.
President David R. Shannon personally greeted each student as they arrived, easing first-day nerves with his famous selfies. Henderson Mayor Terry Bell and Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson even made an appearance to hand out candy and say hello to the newcomers.
Laura Cupp, assistant professor of education and Welcome Home volunteer, was eager to help put new students at ease. “I remember when I was a freshman being so nervous to come for the first time, but when I got here everybody was so nice and friendly,” she said. “So now I want to make sure that everybody feels comfortable coming in so they can also have a great experience here at Freed-Hardeman.”
Beverly Ivy, interim chair for the Department of Education, was also eager to reassure families and calm first-day jitters. “I just love being here and seeing their excitement,” she added. “Hopefully we are a friendly face for them — and, of course, for their parents. We want parents to feel like they are leaving their children in good hands, because they are!”
After checking in, freshmen and transfer students made their way to their assigned dorms where volunteers from Operation Helping Hands braved the heat to help unload cars and carry belongings — often surmounting flights of stairs — to get newcomers settled into their rooms. Staggered arrival times helped ease the move-in process, allowing each family to receive personalized care and attention.
Freshman Brooke Ketchum didn’t have far to travel from her Henderson home, but she hoped she brought the right amount of stuff to fill her new room in Scott Hall. After months of preparation, she was excited to finally reach her first official day as an FHU student. “It went by fast, but I’m ready for it,” she said. “I’m looking forward to actually being a member of Freed-Hardeman now because I’ve seen it from the outside for so long but haven’t actually been a part of it yet.”
Over at Benson Hall, freshman Luke Smith, from Vance, Alabama, was also embracing his first day in his new home. “I feel pretty great, honestly!” he shared. “I’m really looking forward to all the good times I’m going to have here.”
Luke’s mom, Barbie Smith, stated that her own experience with the school helped her feel comfortable in her son’s college transition. “I was here for a year as a student back in the 80s, so I know he’s in good hands and that everyone will take good care of him. I really love how everyone welcomes them and helps the new students feel at home.”
While Aug. 16 was move-in day for the majority of freshmen and transfers, many FHU athletes had already spent the previous week training and bonding with their teams. Among them was soccer player David Kangni. Born in Georgia but raised in Toga, West Africa, David was already enjoying settling into his new routine on campus.
“I’m excited, mostly about meeting all of my teammates and getting to spend time with them both on and off the field,” he said. “I just want to make the most out of this year.”
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brewer Sports Center served as a hub of activity and information as the Campus and Community Fair filled the Smith-Kirk Court. Encircling the gymnasium, dozens of decorated tables offered information about local churches, businesses and programs for new students to discover, while colorful photo walls invited smiling faces to celebrate the excitement of the day.
From community resources like restaurants, parks and salons to campus programs such as theatre, music and library services, attendees eagerly introduced themselves, offering fun giveaways and treats. Chickasaw State Park brought a snake with them to spark student interest, and one local congregation even drew visitors in with the smell of freshly cooked bacon.
Students lined up to visit as many tables as possible in order to familiarize themselves with what the area has to offer.
By late Saturday afternoon, dorm rooms were becoming personalized, strangers were becoming friends and a campus was becoming home. For hundreds of new FHU Lions, Welcome Home marked not just move-in day, but the beginning of a journey filled with faith, friendships and the promise of growth at Freed-Hardeman.
