Charlotte Lehman carefully planned and organized what she would bring for her first year at Union.
But after she left her Geneva, N.Y. home, she realized she forgot a few things. Bed risers. A power cord. ChapStick.
“It looks like we will be making another run to Target,” said her mother, Victoria, as other first-year students hauled mini refrigerators, bikes, boxes and sheets into West College.
It was move-in day Saturday for the 560 members of the Class of 2014, jolting the campus from its summer slumber. Cars, trucks and SUVs stuffed with more belongings than a student would probably need filled the parking areas near the residence halls. Dozens of volunteers pitched in to help cart stuff into rooms, while members of Campus Safety and Facilities patiently answered questions from anxious parents.
College President Stephen C. Ainlay and his wife, Judith, along with their springer spaniel, Winston, strolled across the campus, greeting the new arrivals.
“Everything is really shaping up well,” said Molly MacElroy, director of Residential Life, whose members had planned weeks for this day. “People are really excited and anxious to get in, and we want it to go as smoothly as possible.”
In the afternoon, students received an official welcome from College leaders in Memorial Chapel before saying goodbye to their families. They then headed off to their group orientation activities, including posing for their class picture at the Nott Memorial.
The members of the Class of 2014 were selected from among 4,945 applications, the second largest in Union’s history. This includes 44 percent who were accepted through early decision, when a record number of students made Union their first choice.
The class is one of the strongest academically, with 62 percent ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class and average SAT scores of 1290 (on a scale of 1600) and 1920 (on a scale of 2400), both equaling record highs. Union is an SAT-optional school.
Charlotte Lehman looked at a handful of schools before deciding on Union. Her grandfather, Hugh, is a member of the Class of 1958. But that was not the deciding factor.
“The school has some really strong programs,” said Lehman, who is undecided about a major.
Her parents, Bram and Victoria, have three other girls ages 15, 12 and four. They were proud to have their oldest launch her college experience.
“She’s ready,” her father said.
“Yes, it’s time to move on,” said her mother.
Charlotte agreed.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said before heading off to connect with her new roommate.
Residence halls open for returning students Sunday, Sept. 5.
Fall term classes begin at 1:50 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6 (Labor Day).
Opening convocation, in which the Union community celebrates the official opening of the academic year, is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 in Memorial Chapel.