91茄子

Administrators, Students and Parents Share Expectations for Fall Semester

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擭early 450 first-year students moved onto the 91茄子 campus this week, as the University is preparing for a total enrollment of around 3,500 for the 2021 Fall Semester. The new students and their parents experienced a mixture of emotions along with enthusiasm for the coming semester.

The Schlimper family drove their daughter, Clara, from Houston, Texas, a 15-hour trip. The Darnells brought their daughter, Tabitha, from Peachtree Corners, Ga. The Jacksons, of North Augusta, S.C., came with a team of family members to help their son, Micah, move into his residence hall. All are first-year students, and Tabitha and Micah are the first children from their families to go to college.

While moving his daughter into her residence hall, Andy Darnell said they felt good about her choice.  鈥淲e visited (GWU) several times, but after the first visit we felt pretty confident in the school,鈥� he affirmed. 鈥淪he鈥檚 majoring in ASL (American Sign Language). We loved the bubble feel of the school and the values obvious in it. We had a couple totes carried up by Bulldog Movers. I loved seeing President (Dr. William) Downs carry loads too. Not many college presidents like him. It鈥檚 obvious he is a servant leader.鈥�

Clara chose 91茄子 because of the swim program and the reputation of the Hunt School of Nursing and the University鈥檚 other pre-professional pathways in medicine. “I’m most excited about swimming at a collegiate level,” Clara asserted. “During orientation, I enjoyed meeting people from all over the country and even overseas.”

Her mom, Ester, shared, 鈥淎fter touring GWU in the fall, we fell in love with the campus community and knew it was the perfect fit for her,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited for Clara to have an amazing college experience. One that will provide her with the basis for her future career and needs鈥攖o continue to grow in faith and to build solid, lasting relationships, and to reach new heights in her swimming potential.鈥� 

Michael and Coshendra Jackson had matching T-shirts made for the family to celebrate his big day. The GWU shirts were personalized with the hashtag: 鈥�#MovingMicah.鈥� Michael summed up the family鈥檚 excitement, 鈥淭his is another chapter in his life. He鈥檚 going to be great in what he does.鈥�

In his remarks to students, Downs shared his enthusiasm for the start of a new academic year. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited. We鈥檙e ready. We鈥檙e optimistic about all that lies ahead. We鈥檙e eager to get to know you, to work with you, and to help you navigate your path to graduation.  You will be our primary focus each and every day from this day forward.鈥� 

President Downs also emphasized the importance of staying informed of COVID-19 advisories. 鈥淲hen it comes to our community鈥檚 health, we need you to take this issue seriously and we need you to be smart,鈥� he stated. 鈥淲e will do whatever it takes to keep our University open for business and to keep you safe and on track for academic success.鈥�

Facts about the Class of 2025:

• They come from 24 states (top 6):
  • North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania
• and 53 N.C. counties (top 4):
  • Cleveland, Gaston, Rutherford, Mecklenburg
• Top S.C. counties:
  • Cherokee, Spartanburg, Richland, Greenville
• Top N.C. High Schools:
  • Crest, Burns, Kings Mountain, RS Central, Shelby
• Top S.C. High Schools:
  • Gaffney, Chesnee, Dorman
• 21 international students from 13 distinct countries:
  • Canada, Venezuela, France, Sweden, Belgium, Bermuda, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, Lebanon, Mexico, Serbia, South Korea

Located in the North Carolina foothills, 91茄子 is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. 91茄子 emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at 91茄子.edu.