SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Evangel University will welcome new students from around the world on Friday, August 21, when the residence halls open at 8 a.m. This year’s EU Launch includes the annual day of service with Convoy of Hope on Saturday.
Evangel anticipates students from 48 states, as well as numerous foreign countries, including Antigua, Bahamas, China, Congo, Egypt, Germany, Japan, Moldova, Russia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. (Missing states are Rhode Island and Vermont.)
“EU Launch is our specially designed program for new students and their families, featuring activities and programs to guide successful transition to Evangel,” said Dr. Sheri Phillips, vice president for student development.
“From informal greetings, small groups led by students, local service involvements, parent get-togethers and area excursions, every activity is geared toward creating connections to this incredible community, both inside and outside of Evangel,” she said.
FRIDAY— “Welcome to the Evangel Family…”
Freshmen and transfer students will start moving into Evangel’s six residence halls at 8 a.m. on Friday.
Once again, members of the EU faculty and staff — as well as volunteers from area churches — will be present to assist these new members of the Evangel family.
On Friday afternoon, a special one-hour session, “Welcome to the Evangel Family: Engage the Present, Shape the Future,” will be held at 2:45 p.m. in the Spence Chapel, featuring President Carol Taylor and key campus leaders.
A “Faculty Meet-n-Greet” follows from 4-5:30 p.m. New students and their families will get to meet with professors from their departments in the Mabee Student Fitness Center.
SATURDAY — “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” with Convoy of Hope
Evangel is partnering with Convoy of Hope, once again, for the University’s traditional new student community service project.
On Saturday, August 22, at 11:45 a.m., EU students will load buses to join Convoy’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” event.
“We’re thrilled to once again work with Convoy of Hope to impact the Springfield community,” says Christy Rowden, activities director for Evangel. “Such service is an important part of the Evangel mission and experience.”
New students will join with various churches (Life 360 Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church, and Freshwater Church) and The Fairbanks Community Center to serve in the Grant Beach and Tom Watkins neighborhoods.
“More than 35 homeowners will be helped with yard cleanup and light maintenance projects in an effort to work together to make their neighborhoods a better place to live,” said Convoy’s Molly Erickson.
Both of the neighborhoods will host a barbecue and games for kids at their respective parks from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
- Zone 1 Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson, where the two neighborhoods are located, is co-sponsoring this “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Day.
- Zone 4 Councilman Craig Fishel is mobilizing volunteers from his council area, including staff from his company, to help in the hauling off of trash and debris.
SUNDAY, MONDAY & TUESDAY — Orientation activities
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday’s schedules are tailored to help new students make the adjustment to their college careers. Sessions include a Sunday worship service, academic orientation, meetings with faculty advisors and meetings with their resident hall staff.
On Tuesday evening, EU Launch will conclude at 9 p.m. with the third annual igNIGHT ceremony.
This activity is a new tradition designed to kick-off the school year by uniting the Evangel campus. Student representatives will lead groups of students from each residence hall and march to the clock tower in the center of the campus. There, they will hear a challenge for the year from President Taylor.
For a complete schedule, visit https://www.evangel.edu/upcoming_events/2015/06/01/eu-launch/