Shippensburg University welcomed the class of 2023 in a jam-packed week of activities during Fall Welcome Week.

Fall Welcome Week kicked off with move-in day on a hot Wednesday afternoon where new students received their keys to their dorms.

Student, families and their tightly packed cars were met with the helping hands and oversized carts of Shippensburg University staff, faculty, Raider Marching Band and athletic teams, who aided with students’ belongings.

Members of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) provided water outside of the residence halls.

Aiding in move-in day at the desk in the lobby of Naugle Hall was desk assistant and biology major Shy’Teaire Nickens. Naugle Hall which houses mostly freshmen.

“I became a desk assistant so I can give freshmen directions to help them succeed,” Nickens said.

“It is very easy to get lost during your first year of college,” she added. “It’s important to get involved.”

Early Friday morning, the class of 2023 gathered in the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center for the convocation ceremony.

After the procession of administrators and faculty and a brief welcome from Senior Vice President of Student Affairs and Student Services Donta Truss, Shippensburg University President Laurie Carter gave her welcome message to the class of 2023.

She welcomed the new students and praised them for the “immense potential” they carried. Carter encouraged the students to make memories, as “life is measured by memories.”

“These memories will be filled with success and failures. No one is less important that the other,” Carter said.

Following Carter was new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tom Ormond, who told students to get a physical calendar and circle their graduation date as a form of motivation and goal setting.

Council of Trustees Student Trustee Stephen Washington told his fellow shipmates, “we cannot make our dreams a reality by following the status quo.”

Alison Dagnes professor of political science urged students to listen to other perspectives during the convocation address.

“Most people flock together like birds that think and act like them. It is a not so good way to go through life or college,” Dagnes said. “It is important to get others’ perspectives.”

The ceremony ended with the academic pledge and pinning ceremony and a rendition of the alma mater.

On Friday night, students gathered at Seth Grove Stadium for the Raider Rumble. The evening included a dance competition, band performance, fireworks and a carnival.

On Saturday students were encouraged to walk downtown to interact with local businesses for the first ever “Ticket to Downtown.”

According to the Shippensburg Chamber of Commerce, students were encouraged to visit downtown merchants and post selfies with a poster to be entered into contests. Throughout the afternoon, winners were announced via Shippensburg University’s Twitter account.

Ship-O-Rama, “an outdoor music fest” which included live music, a pizza contest and lawn games, as well as Breakfast Bingo were held for students on Saturday. 

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