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EC Welcomes the Promising Class of 2023!

Elmira, NY (08/30/2019) — The energy and atmosphere at Elmira College were charged with excitement on Thursday morning as new students and their families arrived on campus for Move-In Day 2019. Music, the Soaring Eagle, and a brigade of Orientation staff and student volunteers greeted students and their families, while 6,000 purple and gold balloons lined the sidewalks of campus.

For Resident Assistant Farrah Fiacco '22, who chose Elmira partially for the friendly environment, helping students and families move in was a flashback to one year ago when she moved in as a freshman.

"It was nostalgic to help freshmen move in as an RA because it seems like forever ago that I was in their position," recounted Fiacco. "I genuinely enjoyed helping our '23s get settled because I remember being scared and unsure of what to do and I think I was a friendly face for them. I tried to make things easier for them just as the students last year did for me."

Traditionally, Move-In Day also includes the President's Welcome Ceremony, held on Cowles Lawn. After welcoming students and parents, Director of Campus Engagement George Kuntz introduced Dr. Charles Lindsay, fifteenth president of Elmira College.Lindsay opened his remarks with an overview of the Class of 2023, including the following facts:

  • Members of the Class of 2023 come from 23 states and U.S. Territories.
  • The Class of 2023 includes students from eight foreign countries - Ghana, Mongolia, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Italy, Jamaica, and Gambia
  • International student, Xavier Townsend of Queensland, Australia, traveled 9,437 miles to reach Elmira College - the furthest of any student.
  • U.S.-based student, Emily Arrazola of Lafayette, Oregon, traveled 2,294 miles.
  • Brianna Costley, from W. 3rd Street in Elmira, traveled the shortest distance - just 2,923 feet from campus.

"You've been dubbed the Promising Class of 2023 because of the potential we see in each of you to excel academically, personally, and professionally. And your education at Elmira is the gateway to this path," said Lindsay. "Like any worthwhile endeavor, your college education will require effort and sacrifice. No one else can do this for you. The good news is that, your advisors, mentors, and fellow students stand ready to assist you on this exciting odyssey. This is what we call the Elmira Commitment - our promise to provide, and support you through, a quality educational experience that challenges you to do your very best."

Lindsay concluded his remarks by telling students, "Your undergraduate years have the power to be transformational because they provide a unique opportunity for focused intellectual, personal, and social growth. This is not just a time for preparing to make a living; it is a time for considering how to lead your life; a time for redefining your understanding how to live well and for deciding what you will offer to the world."Alumna Emily Hardy-Shepard '15 then welcomed the Class of 2023, encouraging them to be active and involved throughout their time at Elmira.

Following welcome remarks by Cohen Root '21, Dr. Elizabeth Lambert, vice president of enrollment management, explained the College's tradition of Patron Saints and announced the Patron Saints for the Class of 2023.

"What makes Elmira College unique from other small, private, liberal arts institutions is our rich history and long-standing traditions. One tradition that is being re-implemented with the Promising Class of 2023 is assigning our version of class advisors, who are called Patron Saints," explained Lambert. "I am honored to serve the Class of 2023, along with assistant professor of education, Dr. Rebecca Johnson, in this capacity. While it has been several years since Patron Saints have served incoming students as advisors, guides, and advocates during their EC journey, we are excited and proud to bring this tradition back to Elmira College."

The Welcome Ceremony continued with each member of the incoming class receiving the class cap. As Patron Saints, Lambert read each incoming student's name as Johnson handed the student their cap and welcomed them to the EC family.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the alma mater, led by the Orientation Leaders, followed by the traditional Elmira Hug, a moment for new students and parents to hug and say their farewells.

While parents head home, the orientation fun for students continues throughout the weekend with performances, games, and more traditions such as Candlelight Ceremony - a long-standing and cherished tradition of welcome for the new class.

Welcome to the Promising Class of 2023!

For more photos of the orientation events, please visit the college Flickr page.

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