Lincoln University move-in day complete with many helping hands

D'Angelo Bratton-Bland, center, Student Government Association president, helps Nadaniel Johnson move into Dawson Hall on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at Lincoln University for the start of the new school year.
D'Angelo Bratton-Bland, center, Student Government Association president, helps Nadaniel Johnson move into Dawson Hall on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at Lincoln University for the start of the new school year.

It's that time of the year for new students to get settled into their new surroundings at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

Saturday was the official move-in day at residence halls on the campus, but according to LU spokesperson Misty Young, the activities for incoming freshmen have been going on for a while.

"A large portion of the freshman class came in on Thursday for orientation, but there have been many other orientation activities throughout the summer," she said.

Young said, looking at the orientation numbers, the school is expecting a freshman class of about 540, which is on par with what would be a normal freshman class at Lincoln.

"We have students from locations across the country," Young said. "I talked to a family this morning who drove six hours, one way, today to get here to move their student in."

Young said all residence halls - Dawson, Scruggs, Martin and Anthony - are anticipated to be full once the school year begins Aug. 27.

On hand to help the freshmen get situated was Student Government Association President D'Angelo Bratton-Bland, of Chicago, who will be a graduating with a degree in elementary and special education. He said he was proud to see other seniors and upper classmen were on there to help the new students and their families.

"We want to build relationships and connect with them so that we can become their mentors and guide and help them through their college career," he said. "We want to continue the rich history of Lincoln."

Asia Adams was among the freshmen coming into Dawson Hall. The St. Louis native is nervous and excited to begin this new chapter in her life.

"I chose Lincoln because it's not far from home and I can keep in touch with my friends," said Adams, who plans to major in psychology. "When I came for orientation, I really loved the campus and the people were nice. I was surprised to see all the help people were giving to everybody coming in here today, but I was real thankful. I've seen that a lot here. There always seems to be people wanting to help you and make you feel welcome."