On a day that’s always packed with excitement and emotion, Quinnipiac’s enthusiastic army of administrators, faculty, staff and students rolled up the sleeves of their volunteer T-shirts to help new Bobcats commemorate the first big milestone of their Quinnipiac journey. Upping the experience with a welcome wagon loaded with snacks, candy and more, President Marie Hardin said move-in day’s tremendous show of support is embedded in Quinnipiac’s culture.

“I’m most impressed with Quinnipiac knowing how to take every big milestone and make it better every year. Quality improvement is embedded in the culture here. That is really important and exciting, and that is what I’m seeing here,” Hardin said.

Provost Debra Liebowitz said it’s an exceptional opportunity to join in community while helping families and new students feel the university’s embrace.

“There’s really nothing better. We love it,” said Liebowtiz. “The campus feels alive. You feel the energy, and you feel both the trepidation and the excitement of the students and their families. You see all the faculty, staff and so many students and student groups out here helping. It’s about creating a really wide-open welcome door for our students to walk through.”

For Quinnipiac alumni Karla Natale, associate vice president for community partnerships and university events; and Charity Kuchyt, director of events and special projects, it’s day to reminisce about their own experiences as new students, and a way pay it forward.

“One of my family’s first memories of Quinnipiac is getting out of the car and all these people just rushing over, opening our doors, and taking everything out for us. It was a really positive memorable experience that made it so easy and less stressful,” Kuchyt said. “I love the strong connection we’re able to create by being here to greet families personally and say hello. Families feel good about their student drop-off.”

Playing a part in this special welcome is a privilege that’s greatly appreciated by volunteers across the university, Natale said.

“It’s one of my favorite days — it’s a lot of fun and very rewarding. People from all different departments, including those which are not necessarily as front facing for the students, get to be a part of this chance to greet our students. It also reminds you, as a staff member, why we’re here. We’re here for the students and the experience,” said Natale.

Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett said the combination of faculty, staff and students creates a potently positive move-in day experience for new Bobcats.

“I think the biggest thing that really is part of the welcome is that there are so many current students here volunteering to make sure students feel like they’re welcomed. It breaks the barrier. A hello, a warm smile makes people feel really good about being here,” Ellett said. “And they see the faculty and staff are volunteering, too. It’s really a community effort to bring our students in and make them feel welcome; and it’s something I think we excel at every day here at Quinnipiac University.”

Office of Marketing and Communications volunteers Dave Sotolotto, director of media strategy and analytics, and paid media specialists Lia Mercure ’26 and Bridget Loura helped out at The Grove residence hall.

“This is my first move-in, so it’s exciting getting everyone into their rooms and into The Grove, which is beautiful,” Loura said.

It was also the first move-in day experience for Mercure, who studied advertising and integrated communications at Quinnipiac and served as executive director of data analysis and research for The Agency at Quinnpipac.

“I just graduated in May, and I actually was a commuter student, so I never experienced this first-hand,” Mercure said. “It’s been really cool being a part of the move-in crew and seeing it from this point of view — how seamlessly it works and how students, faculty staff come together.”

Sotolotto said it’s his favorite day of the year.

“There’s a mix of a little nervous energy, there’s a lot of happy energy, and it’s a lot of fun seeing all the students help out,” Sotolotto said.

From blasting music to shouting group cheers, student groups kept the energy high as they welcomed the newest Bobcats to campus. At The Ledges residence hall, a huge group of Alpha Delta Pi sisters made for an enthusiastic move-in crew.

“I feel like what we’re doing is a relief for them, because there’s so much they’re already stressing about. Everyone’s saying thank you, and thanking us for how much we’re helping them,” said Julia Andella ’29. “When I moved into The Grove last year, my dad had just had double knee surgery, so it was just me, my mom and my brother. Having the move-in crew was very helpful. I was on the third floor, and I would not have been able to it without them!”

Move-in day’s many helping hands also freed up time for parents to tackle some furniture assembly. As their daughter, Maddie O’Connor ’30 settled into her new room at The Grove, Tiffany and John O’Connor and their younger daughter, Rory, found a quiet first-floor community space to work on assembling a bookshelf.

“We had a lot of help moving in — all the students in the blue shirts just made it easier,” said John O’Connor. “We’re enjoying getting her room ready for her to have an amazing first year, but it’s bittersweet. You’re happy for the opportunity your daughter has, but you’re sad to see her having it while she’s not in your house.”

Craig Lennon, associate dean of student affairs, said part of the work of the move-in crew is to help families feel supported.

“It’s really exciting for us to welcome our new families, and it’s a range of emotions for people coming here,” Lennon said. “We want our students to feel welcome, but we also have a duty to make sure that the families feel supported and that they know what they can expect for their student, and how they can navigate this as a support person for their student and themselves.”

Legacy dad Kevin Lamoureux ’98 has the benefit of his Quinnipiac experience to know that he and his wife, Tara, are leaving their daughter, Mya Lamoureux ’30, in good hands. Arriving at The Commons residence hall from their home in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, he said they were met by a “well-oiled machine” which emptied their vehicle and reached Mya’s door in 15 minutes. That provided time to meet some other parents, which turned into a reunion.

“What’s cool is that we just met up with some old friends I graduated with in ’98 and their daughter’s here. And I also reconnected with another friend from college, his daughter is moving in as well,” Lamoureux said. “What I’m hearing from everybody that’s been here is that they enjoyed the experience. It’s a great school with a great community within it, and a great education, which is important.”

The Lamoureux’s met at Quinnipiac. Making the day even more full-circle, Tara resided in The Commons the first year it opened. As she watched her daughter getting to know her three new suitemates, she said it all felt a bit surreal.

“It’s a lot to take in!” Tara said. “I really loved being at Quinnipiac and being on the Quad and around all the nature that’s here. I can’t believe how much it’s grown and how beautiful it all is. I can’t wait for them to walk around the campus and really take it in.”

Back at The Grove, brand-new roomies Lily Depoto ’30 of Franklin, Massachusetts and Ariana Pizzuto ’30 of Long Island, New York were meeting for the first time, after months of connecting on Instagram.

“We’ve really been roommates for six months, but I’ve definitely built this day up in my mind, and I’m really excited that I got to meet Ariana today,” said Depoto.

“I’m just really excited to meet Lily and to meet everyone, especially everyone on our floor,” Pizzuto said. “We’ve already met a lot of students in the move-in crew. They were really energetic and helpful.”

Arriving to join The Grove community from Massapequa, New York, Paul Maglione ’30 said he was looking forward to meeting his roommate for the first time. Meanwhile, he was enjoying move-in day with help of the move-in crew.

“I heard that the move-in crew would be here to help, so now I’m just excited to be moving into The Grove. The people here are really nice, and so is the campus,” said Maglione.

Making his debut as a member of the move-in crew, Xavier Aviles ‘27 was part of the QU EMS team helping students and families at The Commons.

“It’s been a great experience to learn more about the community and make new friends and get to know new people,” Aviles said. “My move-in day was overwhelming, and I was very appreciative of the move-in crew because they got everything right in. Everyone made me feel very welcome at the school and took away some of the worries.”

Chief Belonging Officer John Armendariz said being part of a community that rallies to support its students and families is the best part of move-in day.

“It’s an important part of the community to come together to help parents or guardians feel comfortable that they’re turning their child over to someone who will take care of them,” Armendariz said. “I think some of them are surprised that we’re here to help move them in, and the students are pleasantly surprised to see us come together.”

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