Fall frenzy

This week marks the beginning of Whitworth’s 122nd academic year.  But before classes started on Wednesday, the Whitworth campus came together to welcome our newest freshman and transfer students.  More than 630 freshmen and transfers arrived early Saturday morning for the opening of residence halls and the beginning of Orientation and Traditiation.  We were blessed with wonderful weather (highs in the low-90s) and great spirits.  The first family arrived two hours before residence halls opened, driving into campus, their new student hanging out of the vehicle’s sunroof with video camera in hand.  Dick Mandeville, Whitworth’s associate dean of students, told me he found one new freshman by himself waiting patiently an hour before his dorm was to open.  Dick asked him where his parents were.  The student replied, “I don’t know, out celebrating somewhere.”  That about sums it up, I guess.

Hundreds of volunteers met our arrivals, ready to carry boxes and clothes to their assigned rooms.  Parents and students marvelled at how efficiently the whole process was executed.  Once rooms were unpacked (which for some took longer than others), students and families found their way to the campus bookstore to purchase Whitworth gear and textbooks.  That night, in true Whitworth style, we welcomed our newest Whitworthians with our annual skit (yours truly played Smokey the Bear — no pictures, please) and the singing of Amazing Grace before students finally retreated to their new homes and family members collapsed with exhaustion.

In was a great weekend.  Whitworth does this well, I’ve discovered.  I asked our team in university communications to compile a short video highlighting some of the activities.  I’m happy to share it with you.