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Class of 2018 greeted by new president

Move-in Kooistra with parent
Erskine President Dr. Paul Kooistra, left, with a proud parent

The Class of 2018 came to the Erskine campus Wednesday, just a couple of weeks after the arrival of Erskine’s new president, Dr. Paul Kooistra.

Kooistra was on hand to greet the freshmen and their families as they hauled their gear into residence halls—Carnegie for women, Grier for men— with help from staff members and student volunteers.

The new class, which at last count numbered 195, moved in August 20 for a few days of orientation. Transfer students (27 at last count) and returning upperclassmen will join them during the weekend.

Move-in Carnegie sign, balloons
Volunteers await the arrival of freshman women outside Carnegie Hall.

Admissions Director Tobe Frierson said the incoming students represent 11 states in addition to South Carolina, including California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. Erskine is also welcoming new students from Brazil, Canada, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

This is the second consecutive year in which more than 200 new students are joining the Erskine College community.

Once the freshmen moved into residence halls, parents attended their own orientation session. Following the president’s reception in the Bowie Arts Center, parents departed and students enjoyed the Erskine Soiree—with a 1920s theme this year— followed by an ice cream social in the fellowship hall of the Due West ARP Church.

Presentations, meetings, and social events for freshmen are scheduled over the next several days. A “Welcome Breakfast” will be offered on the Circle Sunday morning, followed by a welcome and worship service at the Due West ARP Church. Orientation for transfer students is set for Sunday afternoon, and classes for both college and seminary students start Monday morning.

Move-in Mika on Circle
Returning senior Mika Goyette was among the volunteers for move-in day.

Highlights of Welcome Week, August 25-31, include the Signing of the Book, a “Campus Faire,”a “Battle of the Halls,” and a “Welcome to the Family” celebration.

Erskine will mark its 175th anniversary in the fall of 2014 with a celebration planned for Saturday, Oct. 18 in conjunction with Homecoming 2014.

See photos of freshmen moving in here.

See orientation and president’s reception photos here.

See Soiree photos here.

Erskine and Due West Skyline

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Erskine College admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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