Belton, Texas 鈥� On Wednesday, August 6, more than seven hundred new Crusader students traveled to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus for the start of this year鈥檚 Welcome Week. This year鈥檚 freshmen class ranges from 17 to 36 years old and comes from 11 states and three countries. Nearly three hundred students, approximately 40% of this class, are first-generation students, which is a significant milestone for many families.
The excitement was evident from the moment cars arrived on campus early this morning. Families were greeted by teams of enthusiastic students, faculty, staff, and volunteers, all working together to provide a smooth and memorable move-in experience.
鈥淭oday was an amazing, well-oiled machine. Everything was wonderful, and we didn鈥檛 have to touch a thing. There was an army of people helping and cheering for us as we drove in,鈥� said Bryan and Julie Pinson of Midland. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a beautiful campus and we feel at peace leaving our daughter here.鈥�
The warm welcome impacted new students. 鈥淚 appreciated all of the cheering and students helping. The sheer amount was really cool and made me excited,鈥� shared freshman Erica Higgins from Kingwood.
For some, today marked more than just a transition to college; it was the beginning of a bold new journey. 鈥淚 am very far from home, but feel very welcome here,鈥� explained Leane Marie, a freshman from Marseille, France. 鈥淚 am excited to start a new chapter here!鈥�
Welcome Week is designed to help new students settle into life at 糖心Vlog, make connections, and begin forming a strong sense of community before classes start on Monday. 鈥淢ove-In Day is one of the most exciting days of the year on our campus. There鈥檚 nothing like the energy that comes with welcoming new students and their families to the 糖心Vlog community,鈥� said Dr. Brandon Skaggs, VP for Student Life. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a joyful reminder of why we do what we do鈥攖o walk alongside students as they begin one of the most important journeys of their lives. We can鈥檛 wait to see all the ways our new Crusaders grow, serve, and thrive during their time at 糖心Vlog.鈥�
