On a hot and humid first of September, Fairfield University’s campus was brought back to life with the arrival of 974 freshmen as they moved in.
“A college campus without its students on it always feels a bit dull and lifeless,” President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., said to a crowd of more than 1,000 parents and students gathered on the Oak Room’s lawn. “Today is an exciting day for all of you … but today is an exciting day for us as well.”
Fr. Michael Doody, Fr. Charles Allen and Fr. Paul Fitzgerald were among the handful of Jesuits who followed the president’s welcome, introducing themselves to the class of 2017, making jokes and even promoting clubs they are directly involved in.
The president’s welcome was a quick break in the fast-paced move-in day atmosphere that began at 8 a.m. on Sunday – and even earlier for the members of Student Programs and Leadership Development, who helped with move-in, carrying students’ luggages and boxes to their rooms. Fairfield staff and administration also assisted by alleviating the traffic.
“It was a lot of teamwork, but everything went great,” New Student Leader Emma Cannon ’14 said.
Program Coordinator John St. Marie also believed today was a success, which came as a result of their hard work and preparations that began immediately after the July and August orientations.
“We’ve been getting good feedback,” St. Marie said. “… we’re all excited to have people here.”
Students also appreciated the help they received from fellow Stags.
“It was easy, very easy … I have no complaints,” said Anthony Iorio ’17 as he headed towards the Oak Room to meet with his NSL.
A freshman says goodbye to her family. Photo by Salvatore Trifilio/The Mirror
Freshman Gianna Formisano said that move-in was stressful “but not because of you guys.” While Formisano explained how moving is rarely ever stress-free, others like Alex Fehmel ’17 said the only problem she had with move-in was “it made me hungry.”
Sunday’s move-in not only welcomed freshmen but also welcomed transfer and commuting students. Meetings were set to familiarize them with their new home.
Once settling in, students and parents received free food near the Barone Campus Center, browsed the information fair in the lower level BCC and retrieved their books from the Stag Spirit bookstore.
As the day changed into early evening, parents began to say their final goodbyes, and students looked forward to more events like Fairfield Quest and Quad Olympics. Tomorrow’s events include activities with NSLs. Fall Convocation takes place Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 5:15 p.m. Students will convene on the Bellarmine Lawn to officially mark their arrival and four years later, they will depart from the same spot.
Fairfield University Student Association President Alex Long ‘14, who could be found throughout the day meeting the incoming freshmen and handing out “FUSA swag,” wished to remind the class of 2017 that “time goes by fast, live in the moment and enjoy every last minute of it.”
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