New Blue Hens move in on the Laird Campus. For additional images, click through using the arrows.

New Hens arrive

UD welcomes members of the Class of 2018 to campus

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1:26 p.m., Aug. 25, 2014--Members of the Class of 2018 arrived on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus on Saturday, Aug. 23, to begin their academic careers and Blue Hen experiences.

Pleasant temperatures and slightly cloudy skies provided a workable environment as students, families and friends unpacked, lugged, pushed and carried a wide assortment of personal belongs up and down stairs to their students’ new homes in UD residence halls across campus. 

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Blue Hen Helpers joined UD administrators and staff from Facilities, Residence Life, Public Safety and IT Support to welcome new and returning members of the campus community.

Reactions of new Hens

Victoria Reus, an international business major from White Plains, New York, said while moving in on Saturday, “I like the people here and the feel of the campus. I’m excited to look at my dorm.”

Parents Digna and Waldo Reus teamed with brother Stephen to share in move-in day chores. “We stayed overnight at a hotel, and that made it so much easier. This is such a lovely University,” the parents said.

Nicholas Monaco, an accounting major from Marlboro, New Jersey, said, “I really like the campus and everything about the school. I’m looking forward to getting started here.” 

Abby White, a marketing major from Wilmington, Delaware, said she has “always wanted to come to UD. I’m looking forward to my classes here.” 

Likewise, Vasant Sarthi, from Newark, Delaware, said, “I’ve always loved this school. It possesses so many opportunities for my major, which is biology.”

“I like the feel of community here at UD,” said Jan Lacuata, a health sciences major from Sayreville, New Jersey. “I fell in love with this campus the first time I saw it, and I’m looking forward to singing in an a cappella group and eventually becoming a member of the UD Marching Band.” 

Katelyn Jackson, a biological sciences major from Millsboro, Delaware, said she chose UD because it “was closer to home and I know a lot of people who are here.” 

Of toting items into the residence hall, her father, Horace Jackson, said, “The best way to get through move-in is to just take a deep breath every so often and you’ll do just fine.” 

Ositadinma Odunze, a biomedical engineering major from Baltimore, said, “It feels like home here. I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and becoming friends.” 

“It took us about four hours to get here, which wasn’t too bad,” said Michaela Hobbs, an environmental sciences major from Branford, Connecticut. “I chose UD because I really liked the environmental science program.” 

Holly Naumann, a biological sciences major from Bel Air, Maryland, noted that a previous visit to the UD campus helped her to choose UD. “I liked the environment and it’s close to home.” 

While many new arrivals came from the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, Junwei Xin and Zeling Li made the journey from Shanghai, China. 

“I recently completed the English Language Institute program, and I found that I liked the people here and the fact that shopping is tax free,” said Xin, a University studies major. 

“I’m very excited to be here and plan work hard while at UD,” Li, a business and economics major, said. 

Kelsey McCue, a fashion merchandising major from Villanova, Pennsylvania, said, “I chose UD because it’s close to home and it has the major I want.” 

1743 Welcome Days activities

Complimentary refreshments at several dining halls and outdoor grills and beverage stations were among the amenities offered during move-in weekend, which included a full range of activities through the 1743 Welcome Days

Activities included a reception for incoming commuter students and the annual Campus Breakout hosted by the University Student Centers. 

Sunday events included Each One Reach One mentee orientation, new student “Little Bob first night open gym” at the Carpenter Sports Building, and the popular semester-opening Activities Night, where students had the opportunity to meet with representatives of more than 300 registered student organizations (RSOs). 

Click here for the UD Welcome 2014 Storify site.

Article by Jerry Rhodes

Photos by Lane McLaughlin and Doug Baker

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