Hannibal-LaGrange makes new students feel welcome

HANNIBAL – Hannibal-LaGrange College (HLG) welcomed students back to campus Aug. 23 as Dr. and Mrs. Woodrow Burt, the president and first lady of HLG, stood at the entrance of the campus and greeted first-time students and parents as they drove onto campus.

Then the Swarm Squad, a group of 50-60 upper classmen, helped each new student move in from 1-4 p.m.

“This is the third year to provide this service for our new incoming students,” said Tom Hufty, HLG vice president for collegiate affairs. “They provide a lot of energy for move-in day both physically and emotionally. The Swarm Squad welcomes the new students and makes parents feel right at home while unloading their cars and carrying everything to the rooms for them. Students will ‘swarm’ each car with a goal of unloading all contents within two minutes. Always smiling, always encouraging, always making people feel welcome to HLG … that’s what the Swarm Squad is all about.”

After getting settled into their dorm rooms, the new students, as well as the HLG community, participated in the traditional Walk of Honor at 5:15 p.m. Faculty, staff, upperclassmen, alumni and parents lined the walkway from the Roland Fine Arts Center to the Burt Administration Building. New students walked single-file as they passed parents and HLG students and personnel cheering and encouraging each student on their new journey. The new students passed through the HLG arch where President Burt welcomed them with a handshake. Students then gathered around the Old Dutch Elm tree, nicknamed the “Trinity Tree,” located between the library and administration building for a final word of encouragement, a song and a prayer of dedication.

Events during welcome week include: midnight movies; HLG Fest; an ice cream social; a midnight party at the campus coffee house, Common Grounds; a Hollywood Squares game show; a Hunting Hannibal Scavenger Hunt; a St. Louis Cardinals game; worship services; and a job fair.

“This year is going to be great! I am always excited about Welcome Week,” said Randy Shepard, director of student activities at HLG. “This year’s schedule and lineup is a little different, but I feel that God is going to bless us in a mighty way. I love students, and going to the events and seeing them having a good time is so much fun for me.”

The HLG maintenance and housekeeping departments, resident directors, and community volunteers worked diligently to complete many renovation projects around campus. The Page Dining Room in the Partee Center underwent a major renovation project including carpet, paint, new tables and chairs, and audio/visual equipment was installed.

“With its new look and new technology it will be an attractive meeting place,” said Sue Booth, director of facilities and interiors at HLG.

Several dorms and residential living facilities received general repairs and a fresh coat of paint.