The Alabama State University campus is a buzz of activity with today being its first day of classes for the Fall semester, but it all began on Saturday as members of the Hornet Nation lent helping hands and ready smiles during "Hornet Haul," the official move-in event for new and returning students.
Hornet Haul is an initiative that draws dozens of volunteers from the ASU family to help ASU students move into the University’s residence halls. Students were greeted by alumni, fellow upper-classmen, student leaders, as well as ASU President Gwendolyn E. Boyd and other University leaders.
“When we came up with the idea of Hornet Haul, we didn’t want it to be just about moving folks in,” said Gourjoine Wade, director of Housing and Residence Life. “We wanted it truly to be a moving-day experience. It’s about parents and families connecting with current students and other volunteers so that they leave here feeling good about what they experienced.”
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| Roommates Bria Maduro and Quaniece Hall |
For many freshmen, coming to college is their first time away from home. Atlanta native Bria Maduro said Hornet Haul helped to lessen her nervousness about leaving her family.
“Hornet Haul was really a good thing,” Maduro said. “I’m shy, and I didn’t have to go up to anyone to ask for help; they actually came to me and said, ‘Welcome to Alabama State. Do you need some help?’ As soon as I got out of our car, they (welcomed me). I wasn’t even here for five minutes and I was like, cool.”
Her roommate, Quaniece Hall, is a transfer student from Wallace Community College in Eufaula, Ala., who is attending ASU on a scholarship. The Shorterville, Ala., native said the volunteers helped her to make a smooth transition to residential college life.
“As soon as we came in, we had big boxes and a refrigerator, and one of the girls helped us get them on the elevator and get them up (to my room); so everybody’s been kind, and I like that,” said Hall.
Bert Maduro was grateful for the assistance given to him and his family on move-in day.
“It definitely has been a good experience,” said Maduro. “I’m comfortable leaving my daughter (Bria) here because the people are so friendly and they were so willing to help.”
Hornet Haul kicked off a full slate of activities that are part of Welcome Week. Over the next few days, freshmen will be treated to activities such as the traditional Rites of Passage, entertainment, workshops, a college resource fair, a school spirit jam session, an ice cream social, a talent show, a lip sync battle and a Hornet Nation field day.
WEEKEND EVENTS WELCOME STUDENTS
Students will cap off their week with a soccer match between the Lady Hornets and the AUM Warhawks on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Hornet Soccer Complex, and the Fall Fan Fest on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. at the New ASU Stadium, which will feature an opportunity to meet athletes and coaches and to watch the ASU football team in a pre-season scrimmage.
Bria Maduro said she is looking forward to the excitement of college life.
“I wanted to attend an HBCU, and I like a school with a lot of school spirit. I feel like Alabama State has that.”
From: Kenneth Mullinax, director, Media Relations, 334-229-4104
