Featured image for post: Welcome, Barton Bulldogs!

Welcome, Barton Bulldogs!

Barton College welcomes new and returning students to campus this weekend.

WILSON, N.C. — August 11, 2017 — Our newest Bulldogs have arrived! Barton College welcomed a new class of freshmen and transfers to campus on Thursday, Aug. 10, as parents, grandparents, and siblings helped students move their favorite items from home to their residence halls on campus.

Barton College’s Welcome Weekend extends over the course of four to five days as we welcome not only new freshmen and transfers but also the early return of student leaders and athletes, and upperclassmen later in this weekend. We will welcome approximately 300 new students this fall. New students have arrived on campus from as far away as Sweden, South Africa, and Australia. And, within the U.S., these newest Bulldogs hail from as far north as Connecticut, as far south as Georgia and Texas, and as far west as Utah.

Student Orientation Leaders assisted with the move-in process as well as offering directions, advice, and friendly smiles. And, members of sororities and fraternities also have been busy volunteering their time to help new students move in. Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College, and first lady Beth Searcy were among the first to stop by to welcome students to their new college home. Later, freshmen quickly found their way to New Student meetings and Student Life activities, providing welcomed opportunities to escape the humid temps outside.

Student leaders, including RAs, orientation leaders, academic peer leaders, and Student Government Association officers have been on campus for more than a week, many receiving more than 50 hours of training as they prepared for the arrival of our new students.

New students will participate in “Bulldog Day” activities on Saturday, and in the “Service of Induction and Naming” on Sunday evening, both long-standing traditions at Barton. The “Service of Induction and Naming” will be followed by an evening reception for new students at the Barton-Graves House, home of President Searcy and his family.

Classes begin on Monday, followed by the annual “Welcome Back Barton Day” celebration that afternoon for all students, faculty, and staff at the College, hosted by the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and Barton College.

“This is a very special time on our campus,” shared Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College. “We intentionally spend a great deal of time getting to know one another in preparation for our work ahead this semester. Activities and events are intended to connect the campus — including new student welcome events, and campus worship on Sunday, followed by ‘Welcome Back Barton Day’ on Monday. ‘Welcome Back Barton Day’ provides a perfect opportunity for the Wilson community to meet our new students and to reconnect with our returning students as well as our faculty and staff.”

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