JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 17, 2023 — For Dona Kaci of Tirana, Albania, her journey to 51社区 didn鈥檛 include a campus visit. Despite never seeing the campus, Kaci knew Union was where she wanted to spend the next four years of her life.
鈥淓ven online, I could feel the peace and love in the community,鈥� Kaci said. Kaci was one of 350 new students Union welcomed to campus Aug. 17 for Move-In Day. Move-In Day is a collaborative effort in which current students, professors and Residence Life staff assist new students in moving into their campus apartments.
For Luke Dalton of Henderson, Kentucky, the decision to attend Union was influenced by his church family.
鈥淚鈥檝e always heard great things [about Union] but never really considered it much until my Sunday school teacher talked to me about it,鈥� Dalton said.
When Dalton expressed interest in Union, his family and members of his church were supportive of his interest.
鈥淢y immediate family was also hooked the second we left the campus the first time after my visit,鈥� Dalton said.
Dalton plans to major in business and looks forward to building community with other believers.
Kaci was initially drawn to Union because of its psychology program, Honors Community and the Christ-centered environment of the university. But her experience with Union faculty and staff throughout the admissions process solidified her desire to attend.
鈥淭hey saw me for who I was and loved me, and that鈥檚 when I knew that even though I never saw the campus with my own two eyes or knew anybody there ahead of time, I knew that there were people there who were going to love me and make sure that I had a place and a family in this unknown place,鈥� Kaci said.
Kaci plans to major in psychology and is looking forward to the ways God will grow her through her college experience.
Move-in day is followed by Welcome Week 2023, a week intended to allow new students to connect with the incoming class and adjust to campus life. Classes for the fall semester begin Aug 22.
