KOKOMO, Ind. — When Sa’Mya Jordan began planning for her move in at Indiana University Kokomo, she knew her parents, godmother, and a family friend would be there to help.
What she never expected was that the dean of the School of Education would also be there, toting a box of towels into her apartment.
Faculty and staff, along with community neighbors, were on hand Wednesday, August 15, to help students move in at The Annex, the student housing located across Washington Street from the campus.
Jordan appreciated the helping hand as she and her roommate, Brooklyn Bady, carried their belongings into their home away from home.
It feels like a big family already,” she said, adding that she’s felt welcome since first visiting the campus.
The people here reached out to me, and made me feel like they really wanted me to come here,” the Fort Wayne resident said. “I really liked the atmosphere and the campus.”
The parking lot bustled with families unloading boxes, bags, and totes of lamps, clothing, bedding, textbooks, food, and other necessities of college life, from trunks, back seats, beds of pickup trucks, and U-Haul trucks. In addition to IU Kokomo faculty, staff, and students, members of the First Church of the Nazarene, which is located right next to campus, were on hand to help move students into their new homes.
Staff from The Annex checked in its new and returning residents, providing upbeat music to add to the atmosphere of excitement. Wading pools filled with ice and bottled water were set out liberally, offering an opportunity to cool off after the hard work of moving.
Roommates Jordan and Bady met via text after their new student orientation, and have been in daily contact since then. With help from their family members to unpack and arrange books, kitchen supplies, and décor, they worked to make the apartment feel like home.
I can’t wait to just get settled in, finish everything, and see it all done,” Jordan said.
In the next room, Bady, from Marion, and her mother stacked towels in the closet, and also appreciated the extra hands to carry boxes inside the building.
It was very helpful, and we’re grateful,” Bady said. Like her roommate, she chose the campus after a visit, and looks forward to studying medical imaging.
A few doors away, Logan Schmucker unpacked his belongings in his new apartment. He looks forward to competing in cross country and track, as well as studying graphic design.
I’m ready to get settled in, and start the college experience,” he said. “It made me feel good to have people helping.”
Leah Nellis, dean of the School of Education, was just one person from the campus community who volunteered to help.
It’s a great opportunity to welcome students to campus, to greet them, and to meet our newest students,” she said. “It’s great to be part of the excitement of move in day.”
Audra Dowling, dean of students, attended to greet students, and hand out gift bags of snacks and supplies, provided by the professional staff council.
“We want everyone to feel extra welcome,” she said “This shows our support for our students, new and returning. We’re excited for the beginning of a new semester.”
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.