From the heaviest refrigerator to the lightest lamp, University of the Sciences newest students and their families started off the 2011-2012 academic year with move-in day on August 26, 2011. Upperclassmen, better known as the “Arrival Survival Team” worked together with the new students to unload cars and fill the residence halls with all of their belongings.
Once the moving-in was complete students and their families gathered together for the ninth annual convocation ceremony. The students processed into the Athletic/Recreation Center (ARC) with their maroon shirts as families and friends watched from the bleachers waiting to hear the welcoming remarks from administration, faculty and staff.
“You’re going to have fun. You’re also going to work very hard, but the result will be a rewarding career,” said Dr. Philip P. Gerbino, the outgoing University president.
“You are the healthcare and scientific leaders of tomorrow and our job is preparing you to bridge knowledge with activity and actions to enhance the lives of others as well as your own. Your success will effect your generation the generations that precede you and those that will follow you,” said Marvin Samson, chairman of board of trustees.
Signaling the end of the ceremony. faculty members spread out among the students to pin buttons on the students’ shirt sleeves and welcome them to the University.
While moving the students in was the conversation topics of the hour, so was the recent weather.
“… we have had a very interesting week getting ready for your arrival. On Tuesday we had an earthquake, and on Wednesday we began tracking a hurricane heading our way, we are very pleased however that you made it here safely today,” said Dr. William Cunningham, dean of students. The weather also kept keynote speaker Richard Keaveney, CEO of Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance, (MANNA) home in Maryland.
Student Government Association President Jesse Goldberg PharmD’14 spoke about the importance of campus involvement and some of the experiences students will face as they begin their college career.
“Right now your probably nervous about being in a new city, annoyed that your roommate got the better bed, or even exhausted from having to wake up at 6 a.m. to get here on time,” said Goldberg. “But the memories you will make here will carry you through a life time and it starts today as you officially become a member of the USciences family.”