Class of 2W6 Begins Their 1,000-Day Williamson Journey

The 124 members of the Class of 2W6 moved in on August 23 to what will be their new homes for three years as they begin their 1,000-day journey to becoming Williamson Men. [With 85 seniors, the largest Williamson senior class ever, and 105 juniors, student enrollment is 314, the largest enrollment in school history.] 

The day began in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel with President Rounds giving welcoming remarks, Chaplain Mark Specht 7W7 giving a chapel orientation, Mary Nell Rounds talking about the Student Clothes Closet and the Williamson Auxiliary, and Jay Merillat, vice president of enrollment management, making some general announcements.

The freshmen then divided into three groups – one for registration, one for moving into their dormitory rooms, and one for shop orientation. The College Store was open the whole time for those who wanted to start their education with Williamson attire. Helping the freshmen move in were members of the football and soccer teams.

The afternoon ended in the chapel with President Rounds talking about the value of a Williamson education, and remarks from Michelle Williams, vice president of academic affairs, Tom Moffitt, vice president of student affairs, and Jay Merillat. Closing remarks were made by Todd Zachary, provost. After dinner, the freshmen had CPR, AED, and first aid training and dormitory orientation.

All through Move-in Day, the freshmen were aided and guided by Art Noel, Joe Santoro, and Rob Jordan, members of the Class of 7W6 who are members of the 50-year Affiliate Class Committee. The committee’s role is to connect freshmen with members of the alumni class 50 years their senior to strengthen the connection between Williamson’s graduates of yesterday with the graduates of today and enrich and preserve the legacy of Isaiah Williamson and Williamson College of the Trades.

The freshmen continue their Williamson experience until next Tuesday. Fall semester begins Wednesday, August 30.

The week before Move-in Day, the freshmen participated in the 4-day First Year Experience, which included students and staff talking about Williamson’s core values, a water balloon toss competition, presentations and discussions on diversity and tolerance, a talk by a representative of the Travis Manion Foundation, participation in Outward Bound and community service, and closing with a full day of games designed to teach problem solving, group participation, and communications.