Meredith College Welcomes Incoming Class

Meredith College welcomed the incoming class as it kicked off its four-day New Student Orientation on August 17, 2024. Greeted by student orientation leaders and the traditional balloon arch, new students and their families arrived throughout the morning to move in and prepare for the start of their college journey.

Orientation Crew (OCrew) member Noelle Godwin, ’26, helped direct students and families as they drove through Meredith’s front gate.

“Coming in as a first-year student can be really nerve racking – I think seeing all of the friendly faces helps ease their nerves,” she said.

Adrianna Henry, ’26, agreed. “I like being on OCrew because I remember what it felt like to be a new student and doing this feels really rewarding.”

“The warm welcome makes them feel like part of the community and excited for the new school year,” said Jenna Grady, ’25, another OCrew student. “It also gives them some familiar faces as they walk around campus.”

Orientation helps all new students – first-years, transfers, international, and Wings – to start on the right foot as they begin their education at Meredith. Students are acquainted with resources and support staff on campus, including their faculty advisor, student advisor, StrongPoints®, the Carlyle Campbell Library, and Health and Wellness. The program also includes social activities such as a movie night, game night, line dance party, pickleball, and s’mores night to allow new students to get to know each other.

“Meredith is a place where you can forge your own path,” said Lisa Brown, co-director of First-Year Experience. “I tell students to get the most out of this experience by actively engaging and participating inside and outside the classroom. At orientation and beyond, don’t just go through the motions. Be present and be open to new opportunities, friendships, and ways of thinking.”

As the parent of a high school senior, Brown said it’s particularly important to her that families know their students are in a place that will build on the strong foundation their family helped establish.

“I want them to feel that the hard work of parenting is being reinforced and supported, and even though their student has left the nest, they’re in good hands.”

New Beginnings

President Aimee Sapp, who began her tenure on July 1, also experienced Meredith’s unique Move-In Day for the first time. Sapp said move-in is one of her favorite days on a college campus.

“There’s so much energy and excitement about the promise of the future and what higher ed will do in these students’ lives,” said Sapp. “This is the beginning of that journey.”

Sapp noted that this year’s class holds a special place for her. “This is the first group of students I’ll be able to watch grow and thrive through all four years of their Meredith experience.”

On Move-In Day, President Sapp welcomed parents and families to campus at a reception in the Johnson Hall Rotunda. Following tradition, President Sapp will host the incoming class at her residence, the Massey House, for a tour on the last day of orientation.

Alumnae Extend their Support

Alumnae were eager to welcome a new class into the Meredith community. Volunteers handed out water, directed students and families around campus, and gifted students a Meredith-branded cup. According to Director of Alumnae Relations Hilary Allen, ’01, over 60 alumnae representing class years 1972-2024 were on hand to support incoming students and families.

“Alumnae enjoy coming back to welcome students and families to the Meredith College family,” said Allen. “We find that lots of mothers, daughters, and friends volunteer together, in part because it’s also an opportunity to be with each other and reminisce about their own experiences.”

Allen said she thinks it’s important for parents to see the alumnae supporting new students and demonstrating their love for the College.

Alumna Wendy McLawhorn, ’99, was welcoming students and families to Heilman, one of the first-year residence halls. She was joined by several friends and her daughter, and said they have been volunteering to help with Move-In on and off for 10 years.

“Move-in Day is such an important start to your college experience, and we want to make it as welcoming as possible to new students,” said McLawhorn. “It’s also a great opportunity to connect with other alumnae.”

Her classmate, Candi Pinocci, ’99, agreed, saying “I enjoyed my Move-In Day and I want people to enjoy theirs, too.”

Alumnae Relations also arranged a bounce house and Sunset Slush truck for Move-In Day. Additionally, Alumnae Relations will host a Movie on the Green the night of Move-In Day and provide light food and refreshments. Throughout the academic year, Alumnae Relations will continue to sponsor events, including a First Day of Class event on August 21 and an 1891 Club Kick-Off event on August 22.

About the Incoming Class

Meredith welcomes 483 new students including first-years, Wings, transfers, graduates, and readmits. Students come from 21 states and 13 countries. The class comprises 104 first-generation college students, 48 student-athletes, 42 honors students, and 12 Teaching Fellows. More than $11 million in scholarships were awarded to these incoming students.