FAIRBORN — The Wright State University Dayton campus bustled with squeals of excitement, bittersweet tears, a fleet of golf carts and hundreds volunteers Aug. 24 as more than 1,400 students moved into their dorms and on-campus apartments in anticipation of starting their college careers.
Wright State will include approximately 2,500 new students — but they are not the only ones who are starting their first year at the college.
“We’re all freshmen together,” Wright State University President Cheryl Shrader said. “… I am so pleased to be joining the institution at the same time they are because I feel a special affinity to us as we explore and learn more about the institution together.”
When parents shed tears as they watched their children start their journey toward higher education, Shrader was able to relate to them as well.
“I’ve spoken with them from my standpoint as the president, but I’ve also spoken to them from my standpoint as a mother,” she said. “I identify with them and let them know that I’ve been on their side and that we will be taking great care of their children. We’re committed to them as a family.”
Approximately 1,000 students are additionally anticipated to move in Saturday, Aug. 26, just as the on-campus activities aimed at acclimating the new students to campus are warming up.
Students will have the opportunity Friday, Aug. 25 to experience Army ROTC orientation, a class of 2021 welcome lunch and other activities that will highlight familiarizing students with printing services and clubs. The college will also show a movie during the evening hours near the on-campus apartments and host a bonfire aimed at introducing the Catholic campus ministries.
Students will have options Saturday, Aug. 26 to check last-minute items off their to-do lists, such as purchasing a parking pass, picking up books and receive assistance from Raider Connect, which is the college’s “one-stop shop” aimed at helping students with items such as financial aid. Wright State is also hosting Comedian Hypnotist Josh McVicar, who will offer a free show, as well as a dance party.
Additional activities will take place in the following days as part of Wright State’s Welcome Week.
“Wright State does move-in day like no other institution,” Shrader said.
With 110 golf carts and 500 volunteers, she agreed that there is strength in numbers.
Among the volunteers included Fairborn City Manager Rob Anderson, Assistant City Manager Pete Bales, as well as Fairborn City Council Members Rob Hoffman and Marilyn McCauley. City officials expressed happiness to help and encouraged the new students to get out and tour their new community.
“The partnership between the City of Fairborn and Wright State University is fantastic,” Bales said. “We’re happy to do our part in helping the Wright State students. There is a lot of excitement here (on campus) and it is exciting for the City of Fairborn. We hope [students] get out, explore and enjoy Fairborn.”
Classes start Monday, Aug. 28.
