Move-in is one of the most exciting days of the year on a college campus. Davenport University came back to life on August 28, with a flurry of activity as students and their families moved bags and boxes by cartloads into South Hall on the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus.

Students from across Michigan, the country, and the world have chosen to continue their education at Davenport, resulting in strong enrollment this fall following nine semesters of meeting enrollment goals.  University housing has achieved its third-largest occupancy in history, with more than 860 residents.

Move-in day is always special for Davenport President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., but this year, it was even more meaningful, as it marked his 17th and final year. Pappas will be retiring in 2026, at the end of the academic year.

As always, Pappas greeted students and their families outside South Hall and even helped several students with their belongings.

“Move-in day is a tradition in higher education to welcome students to the beginning of their academic career, and then move to commencement,” said Pappas. “This is the beginning of their growth as adults, and it’s the beginning of their independence and a great career. It’s an exciting day, but not just for the students, but for the parents and siblings as well. It’s an all-in family experience.”

Pappas went on to say that the advisors, faculty, and everyone else they come into contact with at Davenport will make a difference in their lives.  “They will learn to rely on other people, but they will also learn to rely on themselves,” he said.

Pappas understands that parents are nervous about leaving their child, but assures them that their student will be safe at Davenport. “We’ll take care of them and they’ll have the experience of their lifetime,” he said.

Joe Bishop, executive director of Campus Life, was also on-site to assist students as they moved into South Hall. Bishop said his team is excited to welcome new students and the largest returning student population in the university’s history. “Our housing is at full capacity, and as the only university in West Michigan that does not require students to live on campus, our three-year growth in housing reflects students choosing to stay. And what we’ve found is that when students live on campus, they are more likely to retain, more likely to have a high GPA, and are more likely to graduate, which is why they come to college in the first place,” he said.

While students are the most important part of the equation, Bishop and his team make sure to keep parents in mind as well. “Move-in is a big day for parents, too,” said Bishop. “When parents have their first kids coming to college, there are a lot of tears, so we have special tissues for their sad tears, but for their happy tears as well. When parents drop off their last kid, it’s a much different experience. They are happy, excited and thrilled, and some even have big vacation plans. Either way, we also try to take care of the parents.”

Students and their families were also able to meet Onyx, Davenport’s therapy dog, and her handler, Brett Windsor.

“Onyx and I both enjoy welcoming new students to campus,” said Windsor. “It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with students on their first day at Davenport and to let them know we are here to support them,” he said.

Students will have several days to explore campus before classes start on September 2. They will also have the opportunity to participate in several welcome events that will introduce them to campus life, such as Panther Palooza and Panther Prowl.

Panther Prowl is a five-day transition program exclusively for first-year students, designed to acclimate them to life on campus and give them an opportunity to make new friends.

Pantherpalooza is an event for both new and returning students, offering an excellent opportunity for all students to feel connected and to gain valuable information about life on campus.