August 29, 2013
Laurie Morrissey
Communications and Marketing
(603) 641-7242
Five hundred and thirty one first-year and transfer students arrived on campus this morning with considerable help from parents, siblings, friends, orientation leaders, resident assistants, and athletic teams. Students came from a combination of 24 states and five countries and brought fans, blenders, refrigerators, printers, Pop-Tarts, pillows, and a wooden good-luck elephant, among other must-have items.
Besides getting their rooms organized (or at least filled), the new Anselmians embarked on a long list of necessary activities, from picking up mailbox keys to buying books and opening banking accounts. They also spent time hearing from advisors and administrators as they attempted to map out their first year of college.
"It's a fresh start. They're breaking out of the identities they developed during high school and they're going to develop and find new ones," said Kristine Adams '16, of Alton, N.H., a resident assistant. "Probably the scariest part of it is, they're not kids any more. They're adults. But we have a great residential life staff. We're going to be like mom, if not better, if we can."
Before lunch, a select group gathered by the Stone Face outside Davison Hall for a "family photo." Legacy students-those whose parents already have Saint Anselm degrees-posed with their moms, dads, and in some case, grandparents. This year, 12 percent of the freshmen are in this category, including Brendan Megan, of Hampstead, N.H., whose father (Peter '83) and grandfather (Paul '58) helped him start off the year.
After a 3 p.m. Family Mass, new students and their families were welcomed officially by Dr. Steven DiSalvo, the college's new president.
"The Class of 2017 holds a special place in my heart, for we are beginning our journey at Saint Anselm College together," Dr. DiSalvo said. He urged the students to make new friends, celebrate family, and strengthen their faith.
"Your faith will be strengthened at Saint Anselm College because our community is rooted in our Benedictine tradition. No matter what your religious denomination may be, find a way to strengthen your own spirituality. Make time to attend liturgies. Participate in retreats or community service. Take time for personal reflection. Treasure the beauty of this campus."
He also urged the members of the class to savor the moment of beginning their collegiate experience. "Today I congratulate you on your arrival. You now have 48 months to figure out what is next!" The complete text of Dr. DiSalvo's speech is available on his blog.
Multimedia & Additional Coverage
- Visit our social media hub for a compilation of all our coverage from today, and this weekend's events
- Watch the Move In Day 2013 video
- Listen to Dr. DiSalvo's speech
- View a gallery of images from today's move in on Flickr
- Read a profile of the Class of 2017
- Tag tweets and Instagram images with #SAC17