Hastings College is expecting more than 385 incoming students on campus Aug. 24-26 during annual New Student Days (NSD) orientation. Fall semester classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.

A complete schedule of events is available at www.hastings.edu.

 Activities following the theme “Welcome Home” were planned by student committee co-chairs seniors Valerie Sweley, daughter of Roger and Debra Sweley, Grand Island, Neb., and Tyler Prochazka; son of John and Robyn Prochazka, Hemingford, Neb.; in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs and advisor Joan McCarthy, associate dean of students, and Richard “Buddy” Doty, director of apartment living and student leadership development.

 Other students on the planning team included: Tyler Keyser, junior, son of Daniel and Jackie Keyser, Cambridge, Neb.; Wendy Nicklin, junior, daughter of Donald and Rhonda Nicklin, Papillion, Neb.; Katherine Hamilton, sophomore, daughter of David and Loretta Hamilton, Thedford, Neb.; and Billy Dunbar, sophomore, son of Wilma Dunbar and Duane Dunbar, Taylor, Neb.

 New students who have not been on campus for athletics and other activities will begin moving into residence halls Friday morning, Aug. 24.

 At 3 p.m., Friday, a Welcoming Convocation will be held in Lynn Farrell Arena. Dr. Phil Dudley, president of the college; Dr. Rich Lloyd, academic dean; John Striebel, junior, president of Student Association (son of John and Nancy Striebel, North Platte,
Neb.); NSD co-chairs and other college personnel will greet new students and their parents. The Hastings College Band, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Laing, will perform; and the Hastings College Choir, directed by Dr. Fritz Mountford, will sing.

 At 9 p.m., students will attend a video and discussion session titled, “Embracing Equality,” a presentation focusing on equality, compassion, and a celebration of diversity at Hastings College. The presentation will be in French Memorial Chapel.

 Saturday morning, Aug. 25, students and their advisors will gather for the annual community service project. From 9 to 11:30 a.m., students will volunteer their time and effort at Good Samaritan Village, Crane Meadows, Alcott Elementary School playground, and Lincoln Elementary. One group will gather trash in Heartwell Park, along University Street, and in Parkview Cemetery. Two groups will assemble and mail care packages to Iraqi children and soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Music majors will perform at The Kensington, The Homestead, and College View Assisted Living. Contact Dr. Jean Heriot for more information at (402) 461-7770.

Parents will be attending a morning orientation session and participate in a panel discussion led by parents on the Parents Advisory Council.

 Weekend events also include a  scrimmage, campus tours, a student organization fair, a buffet at the home of President Dudley, a dance, a Sunday morning ecumenical church service, an all-campus picnic, and meetings with residence hall assistants.
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