Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
It’s Move-in-Day at Tuskegee University and the New Student Orientation leaders at the front gates and throughout the campus are welcoming students and families with cheers, whistles, cow bells and enough enthusiasm to get the year started off right.
On Tuesday, Javaris Dangerfield, a freshman from Helena, Alabama, unloaded his father’s SUV outside of Bethune Hall, undaunted by the sprinkling rain. The third generation Golden Tiger returned to campus after spending the summer here for the LEAP program.
“He is staying in the same dorm that I stayed in and on the same floor,” said his grandfather, Luther Jarmon Jr. ’72 of Helena. “It’s such a coincidence and tremendously gratifying. He was here this summer and it was something that kept him here. He just loves Tuskegee.”
Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO, and First Lady Gwen Brown joined university leaders as they moved from dorm to dorm helping students move in. Almost 1,000 new students have chosen Tuskegee and the quiet summer campus transitioned into a bustling community of SUVs, U-Hauls and pick-up trucks – each packed to capacity.
Freshman Golden Tiger receiver Caleb Sanders is a Finance major from Huntsville who has been on campus for football camp and watched the excitement outside of Bethune Hall. He grew up visiting Tuskegee because his parents are graduates. “It’s just like home to me. I am very familiar with Tuskegee.”
Rashaun Kelly Jr. of Riverdale, Georgia and six or seven of his friends from Jonesboro High School and Dutchtown High School south of Atlanta chose Tuskegee. And Xavier Artis-Brooks and his family left Bowie, Maryland early Monday to be ready for this moment. The freshman Navy ROTC cadet and biology major said he headed to Tuskegee because one of his friends chose TU as well.
The students enjoyed a full schedule Tuesday that will be repeated through the week as different groups arrive.
“We are excited to welcome new and returning students to campus,” said Dr. Brown who also hosted parents’ receptions with First Lady Brown. “We are looking forward to a year of hard work in the classroom and a campus experience the students will enjoy.”
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