Pilots Prevent
August 24, 2021
Last week was a big one on the UP campus. Sophomores moved in on Tuesday, August 17, and spent the following day enjoying their own special Orientation do-over complete with scavenger hunts and food carts. Then new students (and a lot of parents) arrived on Thursday, August 19, filling dumpsters with moving boxes and loudspeakers with the sweet sounds of Brittney and Tay-Tay.
And that was just the beginning.
As returning students rolled in and Orientation events rolled out, the entire weekend was filled with happy reunions, new connections, tons of fun, and palpable relief to be back on The Bluff together again. We curated a collection of photos so you can check out highlights from all the festivities. We also gathered stories from the people who were there on the ground, helping pull off yet another successful move-in and Orientation weekend.
And if you missed the President’s Welcome Address on Friday, August 20, and this year’s parent advice video shown beforehand, grab your tissues and check it out here. https://youtu.be/sPxsUnR5ePk
Tyler Hale, associate director of community standards, Residence Life: “On Wednesday night during the concert for sophomores I was looking out over the group and feeling so grateful for the spirits of everyone there. When a giant conga line started it was just so apparent how many people just wanted to be silly and carefree again, even if it was just for an evening. There were groups listening to the concert, talking with old and new friends, and people dancing. It was great to see.”
Tyler says another moment from the weekend has really stuck with him. “It was a pretty simple moment filled with joy. I was walking by Lund during move-in and someone came bolting out the door and right into a hug (masked of course) of someone they hadn’t seen since lockdown. I don’t think I will forget the pure squeals of joy that came out of that embrace that came after 18 months of separation.”
Lindsey Smith, UP senior: "I loved the energy during move-in last week, everyone was so excited and happy to finally be moving in! Also, our new texting service was amazing and a great success. The orientation team worked together to answer all the questions that came in and help the first-year students navigate their first couple of days on campus!"
Jeromy Koffler, director, Student Activities: On Friday I received a message from a UP alum about a student traveling alone from Hawaii. Her original flight was canceled. She got another flight out, but her family had to stay behind until the next day. She wouldn’t be arriving at PDX until 11:50 p.m. This alum found a local UP alum who volunteered to pick the student up from the airport at close to midnight and coordinated with her RA to get her moved in that night. It’s a testament to the generous nature of the UP community how everyone came together to help!
Andrew Weingarten, director, Residence Life: “It felt so good to welcome over 1,840 students to our on-campus residence halls and off-campus rental properties last week. There was a lot of great excitement from students, families, and staff. One standout experience I had was last Wednesday morning (August 18). I was in the Office of Residence Life as groups of sophomore students came through while on their scavenger hunt. They were in groups of all sizes, and they had just met. They were having a blast and were eager to collect a sticker to prove that they found the office and learned its resources. It made for a great morning!”
Bryn Rose, office manager, Residence Life: “Witnessing the pure joy and energy from resident assistants all over campus as they welcomed the first-year students was heartwarming. Worried parents could clearly see and feel the caring support their kids will receive as UP students and understand that it's not just a move-in day thing.”
Marija Kovacevic Hobbs 98, associate director of alumni engagement: “Sophomore parents expressed appreciation towards UP for devoting a specific move-in day and orientation events for the Class of 2024. The welcoming hall staff crew brought smiles to faces after many students waited over a year for their on-campus college experience to begin! First-year students and families felt excitement for a ‘normal’ transition to life on The Bluff. Parents said they were having fun and wished they could go back to college themselves!”
Beckett Sebok, UP junior: “I was an orientation assistant this year and I had so much fun showing first-year and new students the welcoming community that University of Portland has to offer. Seeing first-year students having fun at the soccer game and getting involved at the orientation tent throughout the week was the highlight of my experience.”
Nicole O’Dierno, UP senior: “Freshman and Sophomore Orientation was so exciting! It was refreshing to see so many new faces and welcome them to UP!”
Brad Franco, associate professor of history: “It was so nice to meet with students during Orientation and to see campus alive after such a long period of hibernation. During our meeting with majors, students expressed their excitement to finally be together with their peers and their gratitude to everyone who has made this experience possible. The last year has taught us all not to take normalcy for granted, and though we aren’t back to normal entirely yet, for all of us, being back together on campus and in the classroom is something I think we are all ready to embrace and to make the most of.”
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