by Rebecca Sneed
If you passed by the gates of Hannibal-LaGrange University on Thursday, August 25, most likely you witnessed the arrival of new students to campus. As those anxious new students and sentimental parents drove onto campus, they were greeted by HLGU President Dr. Anthony Allen, and his wife, Stacy. From there, the new students were led to their residence halls where they were welcomed with music, cheers, and eager returning students – the “Trojan Army,” ready to serve the new students and their parents by unloading their cars and moving them into their new home.
The Trojan Army is an annual Welcome Week tradition at HLGU and is always a tremendous blessing to new students and especially their parents. Their motto “we move so you don’t have to” fits their service well.
Once settled into their dorm rooms, the new students and parents had free time to explore the campus and finish up any last minute paperwork. Mid-afternoon, the new HLGU students gathered in the Mabee Sports Complex where they met with their new student orientation team leaders and played icebreaker games in an effort to meet new friends and bond with their team. While the new students met in the Mabee Sports Complex, parents were gathered in the Roland Fine Arts Center where they heard from the administration. A Q&A session took place to answer questions parents had on their minds.
At 5:00 pm, parents, family, the Trojan Army, and resident advisors, along with faculty and staff of HLGU, lined the sidewalk from the Roland Fine Arts Center to the HLGU arch in preparation for the Walk of Honor.
A bagpiper and Theologian the Trojan led the new students along the path of cheering spectators, encouraging each student on their new journey. After each new student passed through the HLGU arch, President Allen and Stacy welcomed them again with a handshake and a smile.
Students then gathered around the Trinity Tree, located between the L.A. Foster Student Center and the Burt Administration Building, for a final word of encouragement, the alma mater, and a prayer of dedication.
On Friday, the new students spent the morning in Trojan Training with their new classmates. Activities included Knocker Ball and ultimate Frisbee. Students were able to spend time together in an effort to help foster new friendships. Later that night, a “Battle of Troy” dodgeball match was held.
HLGU’s New Student Orientation Saturday activities included time for the freshmen teams to participate in the “Quest for the Trojan Horse” scavenger hunt. This fun activity takes place every year on Main Street so freshmen and incoming students can learn all Hannibal has to offer.
On Sunday, the students started their day by choosing an area worship service to attend. That afternoon students enjoyed visiting the HLGU Activities Fair. This special event allowed the new students to find out more about area churches, activities, and clubs they could choose to become involved with on and around campus.
On Monday, August 29, HLGU students volunteered around Hannibal in the 13th Annual Hannibal Helping Hands, a series of community service projects. This year, 170 students went out into the Hannibal community and performed nearly 400 hours of community service. Projects included painting, weeding, washing, organizing, and cleaning for various Hannibal businesses and churches including Douglas Community Center, Hannibal Free Public Library, Graceful Beginnings Daycare, the Hannibal Museum, the Nutrition Center, and many others.
On Wednesday, August 31, Dr. Allen welcomed all students back to campus and to HLGU’s annual Convocation Chapel.
“Our purpose here today is to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year and consecrate ourselves before God to the task of teaching and learning,” he said. “On behalf of our faculty and staff, I want to personally welcome our incoming freshman class.”
Dr. Allen then went on to encourage the students to enjoy their time at HLGU and to always make the next right decision.
Dr. Miles Mullin II, vice president for academic administration, led the students in reciting HLGU’s Honor Code and Mrs. Lori Scott, instructor of music, led the congregation in singing a hymn. Additional music was provided by Music Department Chair Jane Griffen and four students.