Today is exciting, scary and wonderful for new students moving into dorms and apartments to begin their academic year at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
“We are excited to welcome our newest students and we are thrilled they have chosen MSUM,” school president Anne Blackhurst says.
“We are especially excited to be welcoming a freshman class that is 20 percent larger than last fall’s class. Our enrollment of new graduate students and new international students is up considerably,” she adds.
She’s not the only one excited.
While she will be among the many faculty, staff and alumni toting boxes and brand new sheets into dorms and apartments, students are looking at a new start, too.
Juron Griffin says he is feeling a “little overwhelmed.” He’s been applying for grants and loans, and looking forward to this next phase of his life.
A budding film major, Griffin is the great nephew of an alumnus who graduated in the tumultuous early ‘70s – the “Revolution.” MSUM runs in the family and uncle Carl Griffin is happy his great nephew chose his alma mater.
Juron’s parents join hundreds of others in being a little sad their freshman won’t be around all the time. Juron feels good about his future. He is answering the “what are you going to do” question with “make a movie.” He loves writing and creating, likes editing video and working with others to share and create stories.
The Minneapolis student is ready. So are students from rural areas and small towns, lakes and prairies, and cities from the northern plains and the world.
There is a story with every student moving in. Students come from different backgrounds, schools, customs and communities.
For president Blackhurst, “there’s nothing like the excitement and optimism of a new school year and our move-in day is especially exciting. As I have for the past several years, I plan to welcome our new students and parents as they arrive on campus and help them move in to their resident hall rooms.
“We want our new students to know how glad we are that they’re here and how happy we are to welcome them to the Dragon family.”
Everyone in the community can be part of the welcome and get to know each other Saturday on the campus mall. At 9 p.m., grab your family and friends to watch the movie “How to Train Your Dragon” with incoming students, faculty and staff. Light treats will be provided for this free event. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. The weather is expected to be a little cool – perfect for dragons.
Movies on the mall, theater productions, educational lectures, the planetarium, athletics and art shows are among the many events on campus open to the community. Being part of the community is important, according to David Wahlberg, executive director of communications and marketing, and an MSUM graduate. “We have exciting momentum and a campus culture that supports students. The learning environment we have connects us with the community,” he says.
A few blocks away, Concordia College will welcome students in another week.
Move-in day is Aug. 28, with alumni on hand to help with all those bags and boxes. New student orientation begins the same day.
Classes begin at Concordia Sept. 1.
