ADA, Ohio (WLIO) — It’s move-in day for new students at Ohio Northern University, and both staff and students are excited to begin a new academic year.
“It's just a great day, and it's the beginning of some fun and then some serious hard work,” said Dr. Melissa Baumann, president of Ohio Northern University.
ONU welcomed more than 750 new Polar Bears to campus, marking the largest incoming class in over a decade. Baumann said she is proud that so many chose Ohio Northern for their college education.
“You know it means maybe even a little bit more this year in today's world where some people will speak out against the value of higher education, we know that for our students, not only is their debt leaving campus low in comparison to our peers, but maybe more importantly, 97% get a job within six months in their field of study or go on to graduate or professional school," Baumann said.
The new students represent 12 countries and more than 20 states. Among them is Aubrey Herrera-Hess of Oregon, Ohio, who said she already feels at home on campus.
“I'm really excited. I've been waiting for this day all summer. So it's I'm I'm excited it's here. Feel so safe and welcoming. I like I already felt like I had a family before I even came here. So I love it,” said Herrera-Hess.
Dante Johnson, a freshman from Georgia, said he’s looking forward to meeting new people.
“I'm excited, a little nervous, because I only know two or three people here, so I'm gonna try to connect with a few people during the weekend. Hopefully it goes good,” Johnson said.
Returning students also shared advice with the incoming freshmen.
“Probably just make the most of it. You know, if you sit in your room all year, it's not gonna be very fun, but we have so much on campus that you can do you you join it, join a club, join a Greek organization, go to any event on campus. It's it's there for each have to go out and take it,” said Michael Seveigny, a sophomore at ONU.
“It’s definitely the best experience and decision I've ever made. There's a lot of people, even though it's small and it's just like one big family, and it's really fun,” said Emma Hoersten, a senior at ONU.
Freshmen will spend the weekend getting to know one another before classes begin on Aug. 25th.
