News Summary
Lander University welcomed around 213 incoming freshmen at its first summer orientation, featuring a cookout and pool party. The event aimed to help students acclimate to campus life, fostering social interaction and engagement through fun activities and workshops. Incoming students enjoyed various recreational games and gained insights into academic resources, while the supportive atmosphere encouraged connections among first-generation college students. With the successful orientation, Lander University is paving the way for the class of 2025 to feel welcomed and prepared for their collegiate journey.
Greenwood, SC – Lander University Hosts Successful Cookout and Pool Party During First Summer Orientation of 2025
Lander University welcomed approximately 213 incoming freshmen to its first summer orientation session on June 26, 2025. The event featured a cookout and pool party aimed at helping new students acclimate to campus life, while also providing opportunities for social interaction and engagement.
The orientation kicked off with a series of campus tours and workshops, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with their new environment. This restructured orientation model was designed to foster connections among students, as explained by Amanda Darden, Vice President for Student Experience and Quality Assurance. The university expects to host around 950 new students through its summer sessions.
Engagement and Activities
Students enjoyed a lively atmosphere with music, food, and various recreational activities during the afternoon event. Popular activities included pool football, cornhole, and swimming, which encouraged students to mingle and create friendships. The presence of Lander’s resident campus bearcat, nicknamed Bear, added a fun touch to the festivities.
Incoming nursing majors Ali Nix, Karlesa Witherspoon, and Joe’Niyah White found themselves bonding during the event, particularly at the poolside. Their shared aspirations and personal stories contributed to a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. The orientation allowed students to interact with faculty, staff, and financial aid advisers, providing valuable insights into academic resources and support available to them.
Student Experiences
First-generation college students comprised a notable portion of the attendees, with many expressing their excitement about the supportive atmosphere at Lander University. Witherspoon, who is proud to be a first-gen student, remarked on the welcoming environment that the university cultivates. Nix, also a first-gen student, shared her career aspirations to become a nurse anesthetist after graduation. White, who has faced personal challenges, noted how the orientation experience made her feel more accepted within the campus community.
Orientation Leaders Highlight Changes
Dylan Evans, an orientation leader, emphasized that this year’s events were designed to be more engaging than in previous orientations. The interactive nature of the activities and information sessions helped facilitate discussions and connections between new students, their peers, and the university community. Many students reported that attending the orientation provided clarity about their future college life and fostered a sense of belonging.
Conclusion
The successful summer orientation at Lander University sets the stage for a promising start for the incoming class of 2025. Through innovative programming and an emphasis on connections, the university is working diligently to ensure new students feel welcomed, informed, and prepared for their collegiate journeys. With the ongoing summer sessions, Lander remains committed to enhancing the student experience and providing a supportive environment for all.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Lander University Orientation
- CNN: Moon Landing Live News
- Houston Chronicle: Intuitive Machines Lunar Landing
- GoLaurens: Lander University Orientation
- Greenville Journal: Educators of the Year
- Wikipedia: Lander University
- Google Search: Lander University orientation
- Google Scholar: Lander University student experience
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College
- Google News: Lander University 2025
Author: HERE Greenwood
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