[45] 'Organized' We-Haul helps MTSU students with move-in process

For release:  Aug. 24, 2012

 

News and Media Relations contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu

 

 

‘Organized’ We-Haul helps MTSU students with move-in process

 

MURFREESBORO — During a slight pause in the action of new and returning students moving into MTSU residence halls on Friday, a mother helping her son shared this with Housing and Residential Life personnel in Jim Cummings Hall:

 

“This is so organized,” she said.

 

Organized to a fine science.

 

In the next three days, approximately 3,000 students will be moving into the University’s 14 traditional residence halls, two apartment complexes and two houses on Greek Row.

 

Led by the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, an army of volunteers — students, staff, administrators and even off-campus help — move like clockwork to make it happen in precision-like fashion.

 

Every year, it’s called “We-Haul,” an event where lots of bodies and moving parts assist their peers in the carrying of luggage, televisions, boxes and everything else students bring to their MTSU home away from home.

 

Second-semester freshman Tierney Finnie of Nashville did not have We-Haul help in January as a new freshman.

 

“We-Haul is something different,” Finnie said. “I’m excited to have someone help.”

 

Patrice Finnie, her mother, also assisted.

 

Tierney Finnie, a marketing major, said she is both “nervous and excited” because she wants to “make sure my grades stay up.” She added that she is “ready to kickoff the semester and ready for football games, late-night studying and early-morning classes.”

 

Budding country-music singer Cody Powell, a freshman recording-industry major from Charlottesville, Va., said he has been “wanting to move for a long time,” to be closer to Nashville recording studios.

 

“I’m ready to get settled in,” he added. “Moving in is not my favorite thing, particularly, but I’ve got to do it.” Marlina Smith, his mother, lent her support.

 

Two members of the Cody Powell Band, guitar players Colton Rhody and Stephen Nolan — are MTSU seniors. Powell said the band will perform Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the new Student Union Building.

 

Kelsey Hill-Gannon, of Sevierville, a May graduate of Sevier County High School, had plenty of family assisting with her move. They included younger sister Tori, her mother, Valerie Hill, and stepfather, Gene Thomas.

 

“It’s going to be different, moving away from family,” said Hill-Gannon, who is undecided on her major, “but I wanted to get a real college experience.

 

“I liked MTSU because the campus is all together, not spread out like UT-Knoxville.’’

 

We-Haul and other Week of Welcome activities continue Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24-25, and throughout next week. For a complete schedule, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/nsfp/welcome_nsfp.php.

 

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Media welcomed.

 

 

PHOTO CAPTIONS

 

Smith and president.jpg photo caption

 

 

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, right, helps Shuntez Smith carry a load of supplies into Corlew Hall during Friday’s We-Haul. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

 

Smith and Davis.jpg photo caption

 

 

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, chats with incoming freshman Alexandria Davis, right, in her Corlew Hall room during We-Haul on Friday. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

 

 

               The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized MTSU for its outstanding curricular engagement, community outreach and partnerships. As MTSU begins its second century of service, Pride, Tradition and Excellence remain the cornerstones of "Tennessee’s Best"! For MTSU news and information any time, visit www.mtsunews.com.

 

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For MTSU news and information any time, visit www.mtsunews.com.