EC Welcomes the Tenacious Class of 2025!

Elmira, NY (08/27/2021) — Orientation Leaders, student-athletes, coaches, staff, and more helped greet the Tenacious Class of 2025 to the campus Thursday during the annual Move-In Day. A logistical feat that involves groups of students and staff unloading cars and trucks while families begin the process of saying goodbye.

Despite the extremely hot and muggy weather, the energy was buzzing with nervous excitement as families helped unpack, visited places on campus and then attended the President's Welcome Ceremony on Cowles Lawn.

For Desiree Roy '25 and her family, the day was "bittersweet."

"Today's been exciting, also a little nerve-racking," said Roy, who journeyed from Stafford, Virginia. "But we got my room set up, I met my teammates, went to the Bookstore, so a good experience overall."

"Everyone has been very helpful and everything was well organized," said Jennifer Williams, Roy's mother. "My stomach is in knots. I will cry. I have cried, but I know she's a phone call away."

These are the feelings that President Charles Lindsay addressed during his welcome remarks.

"I'm sure you're looking forward to college with a combination of excitement and anxiety," he said. "Don't worry though, we got this! Members of the EC community stand ready to support students in the transition to college and throughout their undergraduate years and beyond."

This year's first-year students come from 19 states and 11 countries. Patrick Gillette, director of admissions, provided some fun facts about the incoming group:

• Traveling from near and far:
  • Savannah Seager '25 only trekked 0.9 miles from Bridgman St. in Elmira, the shortest distance for the Class
  • Maylin Reyes '25 came 2,735 miles from American Canyon, California, the furthest point in the Continental United States
  • George Ustaszewski '25 traveled 3,616 miles from her home in Nome, Alaska, the furthest point in the United States
  • Daraab Khan '25 traveled 6,642 miles from Al Khabor, Saudi Arabia, the longest journey overall
• 14 students are following in the footsteps of family members who attended EC and four have siblings currently attending

"Tenacious Class of 2025, you have an opportunity and responsibility to live up to the standards set by the 165 classes which have preceded you," said Gillette. "We have selected you for this task very deliberately, and we know well that you can take care of the job. We look forward to the next four years with you."

"Good Luck, and welcome to the Elmira College family."

Similar sentiments were shared by the Class Patron Saint, Penny Appenzellar, assistant director of Financial Aid. She and Adam Giambrone, assistant professor of mathematics, will act as advisors for the Class during their four years at Elmira College.

As is tradition, the ceremonies ended with the Elmira Hug, and then parents were encouraged not to linger so that students could immerse themselves fully into college life.

For the Sullivans, who looked on as their daughter Haley Sullivan '25 walked off to another part of the campus, the Move-In Day felt "so personal and genuine."

"It makes you feel good as a parent to hand off your child and know this is a place where they can succeed," said Sue Sullivan.

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