DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – Thursday was a record-setting move-in day for first-year students at St. Norbert College in De Pere.
The class of 2022, the biggest class in the history of St. Norbert College moved their stuff in.
“623 new students are coming to the college today, so it really exciting to have the new families and new students,” said Brian Bruess, St. Norbert College President.
Bruess says they have been working hard to share what the college has to offer, and this has paid off.
“We are doing a really nice job recruiting students, and I think families are making a more sophisticated choice these days in a real competitive environment, Bruess said. “We have a four-year graduation rate that tops in the state. The facilities are in great shape and overall we are just offering a fantastic educational experience and I think the families are recognizing that.”
Bruess was doing more than just welcoming students. He was part of a volunteer group of staff members that helped unload cars and carry items to the student’s dorm room.
The Bruess Brigade made the move-in process a little easier for families.
St. Norbert College President Brian Bruess had over 300 people, dressed in yellow t-shirts, volunteer to help unload vehicles and get the items in the dorm room.
“They just pull up, we move their stuff in and they set up the room. It is a small thing that we can do that makes a big impact on the families,” Bruess said.
The team was made up of facultiy, administration and the St. Norbert Football team.
Parents who were expecting a long hard days work unloading were pleasantly surprised.
One other father said the experience is unlike any other move in.
“This is daughter number three to move into college and this is the easiest by far,” said one father. “All of the sudden these yellow shirts are on you and your stuff is all labeled, and you go park and by the time you come back, all the stuff is in your room, it’s great.”
Bruess say the process has worked pretty well in the past. It helps the families move on with their day quicker and helps move cars out the loading area faster.
The returning students move in Friday and classes at St. Norbert College begin Monday.