The excitement was palpable as the Class of 2028 began their journey at The Catholic University of America, moving into their campus dorms on a sunny Thursday morning.
Cars packed with boxes, furniture, and more lined up as volunteers (including University President Peter Kilpatrick) greeted families and helped unload the newest Cardinals’ belongings. Community members cheered for families upon their arrival, directed traffic, checked new students in, and answered any questions.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Kilpatrick. “I’m always proud to see how hard our current students work to help the first-years move in; they’re the ones who make Catholic University such a warm and inviting place.”
Emily Janka, B.S. Arch. 1998, said the move-in crews made everything a breeze on this big day for her daughter.
“What took us two days to pack in the car, they took out in 5 minutes,” she said.
It’s all part of a culture of hospitality passed on from one generation of students to the next.
“First impressions only happen once,” said Resident Assistant Jonathan Patron as he stood on the Centennial Village sidewalk handing out parking maps and giving directions to families.
Orientation student coordinator Anisa Ellis, a nursing senior, said when she first moved in that the seamless and friendly process reassured her family that she was in good hands. That’s a feeling she wants every student and each family to experience when they arrive.
“It’s about meeting and welcoming each student where they are,” Ellis said before running off to help out another student. “We go all out in a way you don’t find at other schools.”
This year’s move-in day theme was Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, featuring an upbeat soundtrack and dorm hall decorations inspired by friendship bracelets popular among fans. Taking the energetic warm welcome to a different level, Campus Ministry also blessed the residence halls.
But for many, especially parents, the day was bittersweet.
“She’s the first one leaving home,” said Laurie Becker of her daughter, theology major Julie.
It’s especially poignant for new students starting their college journey by following in their parents’ footsteps.
David Vogt, B.S. 1989, B.Arch. 1990, and his wife Marie, B.S. 1989, B.Arch. 1990, met on campus as architecture students. During an annual lunch for legacy students and their families at the Craves Alumni Center, once the campus bar affectionately known as “The Rat,” they shared memories with their daughter Rebecca. She’s looking forward to making some of her own as a nursing student.
“I’m excited to make new friends and be part of the first class to take classes in the new nursing building,” she said, referring to the new home of the Conway School of Nursing.
And the excitement is only beginning. It’s the first day of a jam-packed Orientation weekend which includes Playfair, a late-night breakfast, workshops, and so much more.