Canisius University welcomed its latest batch of Griffins for new-student move-in day Friday.
Canisius President Steve Stoute described the day as one of the two most important days on campus — the second being graduation day. He said the university has invested in giving students the tools they need to make the years in between successful and that the excitement of new arrivals could be felt by students, parents, faculty and staff across campus.
“It is sheer joy that we are welcoming more than 500 new students and their families to this community, to this family, and so it's a significant day in the life of the university when we welcome new students. Today has been fun and exciting,” Stout said.
He said enrollment at Canisius continues to grow, with about 150 of this year’s new students coming in as Buffalo Promise scholars, a program in which eligible freshmen living in a 142- ZIP code with household adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less can have 100% of undergraduate tuition covered after government aid. The program is part of the university’s effort to make a Canisius education more accessible and affordable for families in Buffalo, Stout said.
New students also have a new resource this fall. Through the university’s Canisius Computes program, all incoming full-time freshmen and transfer students receive a MacBook Air.
For anyone feeling a little nervous about transitioning into campus life, Stout said making the first connection can go a long way.
“This is your home now, and you will find your people here. So go outside your comfort zone," he said. "Say hello to that person sitting next to you in orientation or in your first class. You will not regret it."
Buffalo native William Little is among those beginning his freshman year. He said he chose Canisius because it feels like home. He’ll study biomedical science and said he’s most excited about building new connections on campus— and a newfound freedom living on campus.
His advice to other students starting that same journey: “Just be yourself and don't let pressure get to you."
For some families, move-in day meant a much longer journey.
Eddy and Amanda Rodell traveled from Lincoln, Neb., as their son begins his freshman year to major in sports management and join the Canisius swim team. Eddy said the emotions started on the drive to Buffalo.
“We were talking about that on the drive out here. He's both nervous and excited,” he said.
For the Rodells, it’s a new beginning of mixed emotions at home, too.
“Probably more so for her than me," Eddy said.
"For me, it’s the last one. The nest, now, is empty,” Amanda said.
Canisius itself recently celebrated a milestone as well, with Aug.1 marking its third year as a university. In March, the University opened the new Golisano Center for Student Success.
