Largest Freshman Class in LWC History Moves In

LWC students Hannah Hunter of Versailles, Ky., left, Rachel Carr of Danville, Ky.,
Natalie Vickas of Lancaster, Ky., Megan Humphress of Louisville, Ky., and Sydney Bird
of Louisville relax on Saturday evening in the John B. Begley Chapel fountain after a hot
day of moving into residence halls.

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Lindsey Wilson College Vice President of Academic Affairs Bettie Starr summed it up the college's sentiment when she said on Saturday afternoon that "a college campus in the summer is a little sad."

But the campus' mood quickly changed this weekend as students returned to Columbia-Adair County and began moving into the LWC's residence halls.

"We couldn't be happier that you are here with us today," she told LWC's freshmen during Saturday afternoon's kick-off ceremony, held in the Doris and Bob Holloway Health & Wellness Center. 

By the end of the day, a record number of freshmen had moved into LWC's residence halls. LWC officials won't know for a few days how many total residential students are living on the A.P. White Campus, but they already know it will exceed the record 847 students established last year.

"We know we're looking at more than 1,000 residential students this year in residence halls and campus housing," said LWC Dean of Students Chris Schmidt.

It's also going to be the largest freshman class in the college's 107-year history.

Combined with new programs and buildings, it all adds up to creating what LWC President William T. Luckey Jr. calls "the most exciting and dynamic college in the country today."

In his remarks at the kick-off ceremony, Luckey noted the myriad of programs and buildings added at LWC over the last 12 months: a bachelor of science degree in nursing; football, swimming and wrestling programs; a concert and marching band; and the opening of the Holloway Center, Harold J. Smith Hall and Lindsey Wilson Sports Park, home of Blue Raider Stadium, Egnew Park and Blue Raider Park.

"I don't know of another college in the country that has accomplished as much as what this staff and faculty have delivered in the last 12 months," Luckey told the Class of 2014. "If ever there was a national championship or Super Bowl for the most progress made at one year at any college or university, you all need to know that we are now the two-time defending world champion."

In addition to being the largest freshman class in LWC history, Luckey told members of the Class of 2014 that they are among the brightest.

"No matter how you slice it, we are thrilled you have chosen you. … You have chosen us, and we have chosen you. Being a student here is a privilege," said Luckey, who has been LWC's eighth president since July 1, 1998.

Luckey urged the students to enjoy the college's amenities, but not to lose sight of their goal to earn a college degree.

"I can hardly wait to shake your hand on the commencement stage on May 10, 2014 - that's when we will find out how great this class really is," he said.

Students were not scheduled to starting moving into residence halls until 9 a.m. CT. But Schmidt said cars began to pull up before 8 a.m. CT. By late-morning, most students were settled into their rooms -- thanks to a small army of LWC students, faculty and staff, who helped the new residents unload and unpack.

Women's Area Coordinator for Residence Life Sheena London said move-in day is one of her favorite of the year "because I get to meet all of the girls."

For London, who is also director of Phillips Hall, that means working with about 150 residents.

Two of those residents London met while making the rounds on Saturday morning were Jessica Cartwright of Tampa, Fla., and Michelle Lehman of Vestaburg, Mich., both freshmen.

Both arrived in Columbia on Friday night with their families, and after they unpacked they realized they had left behind a few creature comforts.

"Nothing like I'm going to die without -- just stuff I really like," Cartwright said.

In Smith Hall -- the college's newest residence hall -- Rollin and Shaunah Claywell, both of Somerset, made a trip to Walmart to buy several items for their son, Isaac, who came to LWC on baseball and academic scholarships. The Claywells, who are Adair County natives, bought a lamp desk, towels, laundry supplies, a television cable and snacks to get their son through his first week at college.

For some families, leaving for college was harder on the parents than the students. Freshman Maghan Riggleman of Williamsburg, Ky., said her mother, Denise, "cried all day yesterday" while she prepared to leave home for college.

"I don't have enough hangers," Riggleman said to her mother and step-dad, Steve, as they unpacked a refrigerator, snacks and a small fan.

But by the end of the day, after they had enjoyed the President's Picnic on the lawn of the Emily Hundley President's Home and settled into the second half of "Lindseypalooza" in the Holloway Health & Wellness Center, most freshmen reported a smooth transition to college life.

"It was just good being with a whole new set of people," said Mariah Willard of Louisville, Ky. "A lot of the staff really helped me settle in and get me comfortable with college life."

Kendall Smith of Fort Campbell, Ky., said he met a lot of people, especially at the two sessions of "Lindseypalooza," which was a series of ice-breakers that introduced students to one another.

"I met a lot of people, and really had a lot of fun today," he said. "It was a great way to get started."

More ...
Click here to see pictures from Move-In Day.
Click here to see pictures from the picnic for new international students.
Click here for a schedule of Opening Week activities. 

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