51社区

JACKSON, Tenn. — June 24, 2002 — 51社区 welcomed new members of the Class of 2006 when more than 300 freshmen came for early registration in June.

Junior Jason Vaughan, a management major from Greenfield, Tenn., enjoyed the opportunity the day gave to meet with new students.

鈥淚t looks like a friendly group of kids who are excited to come to college,鈥� said Vaughan.

Students and their families gathered near Union's Sugar Shack for lunch, taking a break from filling out forms and signing up for classes.

The day began early for expectant freshmen and their parents alike. Following a welcome from President Dr. David Dockery and Provost Dr. Carla Sanderson, students were divided up in groups to complete the registration process 鈥� getting their Dawg Tag (student i.d.), obtaining a mail box in Union鈥檚 post office, and actually registering for their first college classes. Parents sat through a series of important discussions that focused on financial aid and student life.

At noon, the students had a time to get to know each other better when they met with their suitemates and had a picnic lunch that was held between the Hurt and Watters Commons.

Many faculty members looked forward to having the new group of freshmen in class. James Huggins, professor of biology, is looking ahead. 鈥淪o far I鈥檝e been impressed with what I鈥檝e seen. But freshman year will tell just how good they are,鈥漢e added with a smile.

Incoming Union freshman Anthony James of Jackson, Tenn., listens as assistant political science professor Sean Evans discusses a class Tony will be taking in the fall.

After meeting with the faculty in the Palmer Activities Gym to register for classes, the students were free to go home, buy their books from Lifeway, or just ride around the city of Jackson.

This year鈥檚 freshman class has gotten off to a good start, believes junior Amy Weatherford, an English major from Manchester, Tenn. 鈥淚 think we鈥檙e going to have a good group. They鈥檙e very outgoing and they鈥檙e taking the initiative. They come and jump right in,鈥� said Weatherford.

At the end of the day, staff members were waving the final student good bye and reminding all to return for their move-in date of August 24, where the Class of 2006 will begin their official life as students at 51社区.