EU Launch ’17: Evangel welcomes new students from around the world

 

Launch activities range from community service, to a Luau, to a total eclipse of the sun

Evangel University will welcome new students from around the world on Friday, August 18, 2017, when the six residence halls open at 8 a.m.

This year, Evangel has enrolled students from 48 states and numerous foreign countries, including Bahamas, Brazil, Congo, Egypt, Germany, Honduras and Sri Lanka.

Helping with the move will be student leaders, members of the Evangel faculty and staff, and volunteers from area churches, according to Christy Rowden, student activities director. “There will be plenty of volunteers to welcome and assist these new members of the Evangel family,” she said.

EU Launch consists of five days of activities and programs designed to help new students and their families successfully transition to life at Evangel.

“From informal greetings to local service opportunities, parent get-togethers and area excursions, every activity is geared toward creating connections to this incredible community, both inside and outside of Evangel,” said Dr. Sheri Phillips, vice president for student development.

For a detailed schedule, please visit: https://www.evangel.edu/upcoming_events/2017/05/09/eu-launch/

EU LAUNCH HIGHLIGHTS

• FRIDAY— “Welcome to the Evangel Family…”

Freshmen and transfer students will start moving into Evangel’s residence halls at 8 a.m. on Friday.

On Friday at 2:45 p.m., a special one-hour session, “Welcome to the Evangel Family: Engage the Present, Shape the Future,” will be held 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 meet with professors from their academic departments in the Mabee Student Fitness Center.

• SATURDAY — Community service

On Saturday, EU Launch will once again include the University’s traditional new student community service outreach, in partnership with Convoy of Hope and Elevate Lives.

Hundreds of new students will load buses in front of Evangel’s chapel at 10 a.m. They will be assigned work projects in Zone 1 neighborhoods and at the COH warehouse on South Paterson Ave. Other project locations include the Fairbanks Community Center, Victory Mission, Weller Elementary and Weaver Elementary.

“We are thrilled to once again work with these groups to impact the Springfield community,” said Rowden. “Such service is an important part of the Evangel mission and experience.”

• SUNDAY, MONDAY & TUESDAY — Orientation & eclipse

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 Monday, campus leaders will be ready for the mid-day solar eclipse. Students will be directed to meet at the clock tower where they will find ISO Certified Solar Eclipse Glasses and a large supply of Moon Pies.

• TUESDAY EVENING — Luau & fireworks

On Tuesday evening, a colorful and activities-filled Luau on the Lawn will connect new and returning students. Dinner and activities will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A special feature this year will be “LuLu” and one of her Pineapple Whip stands.

EU Launch week will conclude at 9 p.m. on Tuesday with the fifth annual igNIGHT ceremony, a tradition that was established by President Taylor in 2013. This closing ceremony is designed to kick-off the school year by uniting the Evangel campus.

“The campus leaders and the EU Marching Band will lead groups of students from each side of campus and march to the clock tower in the center of the quad,” said Rowden. “There, they will hear a challenge for the year from student leaders and President Taylor.”

Tuesday evening will close with a candle-lighting ceremony and a fireworks display.

For a detailed schedule, visit: https://www.evangel.edu/upcoming_events/2017/05/09/eu-launch/