Noah Slayter was a ball of energy as he moved about The Catholic University of America’s campus on Aug. 24. Wearing a blue shirt that marked him a member of the welcome crew for first year students’ Move-In Day, Slayter was on a mission.
Slayter was one of many student welcome leaders helping new Cardinals and their families settle into campus. Hundreds served as orientation advisors, resident assistants, and student ministers to welcome the next generation start their first day on campus. As a resident assistant, Slayter carried the belongings of new students to their rooms.
As a steady stream of cars pulled up to dorms, University faculty, staff and current students cheered on arriving families. University President Dr. Peter Kilpatrick was among those helping families unload their vehicles.
“We are so stoked that they are here,” said Slayter, a junior majoring in political science and government. “We're happy to help them move in and for them to be with us at Catholic.”
The student welcome crews returned to campus in mid-August with one goal in mind: to ease the transition for new families.
Students from The Catholic University of America pitched in to help new students move their belongings into dorms. (Catholic University/Patrick Ryan)
“They're part of our community now and we welcome them with open arms and excitement,” added senior Anthony Arrega-Cacao, who is a student minister majoring in politics and Spanish.
To prepare for their roles, the student peer leaders participated in bonding activities to foster teamwork amongst one another.
Learn more about student leadership opportunities at the University.
Associate Dean of Students Heidi Zeich, BS 1995, said the student welcome crews “find their why” in service to others. As she watched the move-in process, she marveled at the heroic efforts of students running belongings through dorm hallways and into rooms.
The students have been so top-notch in the past, Zeich said parents have tried to offer tips before being politely declined.
The student service is a tradition. Zeich fondly remembered the service her family received when she arrived for Orientation in the early 1990s. The care for first-year students doesn’t end in late August at Catholic University, Zeich stressed.
“It’s something that we want to carry forward throughout the year,” Zeich said. “We still want to make sure that everyone feels welcome and included.”
Slayter had a message for any new Catholic University student.
“Take every moment as it comes,” he said. “This is your first time. You're never going to have your first first day at Catholic again. So I would say every day just look around and see where you are. Enjoy the moment.”