New students had barely pulled up to the curb when all the commotion began.
Suddenly, a drove of Eagles swooped in and grabbed boxes, storage containers and bedding from trunks and scurried into the Northwest University residence halls.
The NU Eagles men and women soccer teams were only part of the campus community that helped incoming freshmen move in and feel at home on Wednesday, Aug. 27 for the kick-off of orientation week. Besides helping his own daughter, Jessica, move in her belongings, campus President Joe Castleberry went from one vehicle to the next toting boxes for other students as well.
“I really appreciate his willingness to serve,” said Rachel Klas, assistant resident dean of women, of Castleberry. “That says a lot to our student leaders, to our faculty and incoming students and that’s been very consistent with the rest of his actions and attitude since he arrived on campus last year.”
Director of Community Life Bethenee Engelsvold said residential check-in is her favorite day of the year.
“One of the great things about being a small university is that we can really put our heart into it,” she said of the Christian liberal arts college.
Also, it’s a day when the entire campus community comes together to welcome new students, which makes them feel like they belong, Engelsvold added.
Northwest University has an enrollment of about 1,200 students, of whom approximately 308 are new students.
Inside Perks Hall, incoming freshman Kaila Hammond of Anacortes went over some final housing paperwork with parents Lori and Ken Romer.
“I’m hoping to go into the nursing program – after I get this done, of course,” she joked.
In her dorm room, Hammond delighted that there was an empty dresser in the corner.
“Kaila has a lot of clothes,” said her mom as she hung some shirts on hangers in a small walk-in closet.
Hammond chose Northwest University at first because of a scholarship offer.
But when she visited the campus with her parents, she knew it was the right choice.
“I came for one day and it was just like oh my gosh, everybody here loves Jesus and it’s just the coolest thing in the world,” Hammond said. “So that’s what really brought me here.”
Lori explained that her daughter came to the family as a foster child about eight years ago and was full of anger.
“So this is a huge thing,” Lori said. “I think not many foster children go off to college and succeed. We’re so proud of her because she came a long way and has learned how to handle her emotions and has gone really far.”
The track and field all-star gained several scholarships and her mother feels that “God is providing.”
Her first time away from home, Hammond said it feels scary, but she looks forward to the freedom.
The next day, her parents congregated on the Green with other parents and students to pray, embrace and say goodbye.
Other events during orientation week included a meet the faculty ice cream social and a scavenger challenge on Friday, when small groups hit the streets of downtown Kirkland to try and decipher clues throughout different shops to win prizes. In addition, students enjoyed a candlelight march for prayer and worship, a day hike and a sundown showing of “Prince Caspian.”
One of the highlights of the week included an event known as “NU serves,” which was led by the campus president. On Saturday, he and other faculty and staff did community-service projects with students at various sites throughout the Eastside, including Habitat for Humanity in Redmond, the Northshore Senior Center and Goodwill of Bellevue.
Carrie Wood can be reached at cwood@reporternewspapers.com or 425-822-9166 ext 5050.
