More than 630 new students, along with hundreds more family members and friends, headed to campus last week for New Student Orientation and the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
The first-year and transfer students, all undergraduates, took part in a variety of orientation activities before joining returning students and graduate students for the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 26.
For many first-year students, college life began a few days earlier, as they settled into their residence halls. The new students brought along their parents and siblings for emotional and box-unpacking support as a steady stream of student-athletes helped to carry duffle bags, lamps, overflowing laundry baskets and mini-fridges to their rooms.
In Niebuhr Hall, Coen Nystrom and Ryan Gatto are not only roommates but also men’s lacrosse teammates. Nystrom, a business major from Detroit, says he’s looking forward to seeing how his team does this season, and to meeting new people. His parents, Don and Tracy Nystrom, plan to hit the road often so that they can attend all of his games.
“I like that he has a ready-made family in his teammates,” Tracy Nystrom says. “I hope he’ll embrace this new beginning, this new chapter.”
In Schick Hall, Veronica Cosio and her parents—both wearing “Proud of My Bluejay” T-shirts— were putting the finishing touches on her side of her room. Even though the Cosios live close by in Addison, they want Veronica to have “the full college experience,” including living on campus.
“She’ll be able to get more involved in things, really become part of the Elmhurst community,” says Veronica’s mom, Elmhurst alumna Karla Cosio.
Veronica Cosio, a psychology major, says she’s very close to her parents and will miss home but also is “really excited to be more independent.” She’s also excited to become one of the first members of Elmhurst’s new women’s wrestling team.
“I just tell her to be herself and enjoy these opportunities,” says Veronica’s dad, Mauro Cosio. “It’s not always going to be easy, but she’s got to just show up and give it her best effort. And work hard, like she always has.”
Over the next few days of New Student Orientation, the students learned more about each other and about life at Elmhurst U. They met their classmates, the faculty and staff who would be leading their First Year Seminar course, and the other students in their major. They also took part in a zipline adventure course and a community service project at the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children. And they took some time to explore their values and learn about making the transition to college life. Supportive experiences like New Student Orientation build students’ confidence so that they can excel not only academically but also later, in careers and whatever comes next.
During New Student Convocation, President Troy VanAken urged the students to learn from each other, look out for each other and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive campus environment.
“We believe that a strong sense of belonging is key to helping you successfully complete your academic journey,” he said. “Please do your part to make sure your classmates and friends feel welcome and respected and that they belong here, because they do!”