By Bob Holmes
As Reggie Linscott stood in the middle of his new home away from home — a room on the second floor of Memorial Residence Hall, several volunteer upperclassmen grunted up the stairway as they transporter Linscott’s boxes, duffle bags and suitcases full of everything the freshman needed to start college.
Linscott, who came all the way from Rochester, Minnesota, is one of 235 freshmen who moved in to Columbia International University the week of Aug. 18, just ahead of the new school year. The freshmen are a part of an entering class of 285, CIU’s largest to date, and an overall record enrollment of over 3,200 students which includes traditional undergraduate, and graduate/online students.
Linscott learned of CIU from his father who is enrolled in a CIU online doctoral program. The younger Linscott is ready to study Worship Arts & Music Ministry.
“I love music and I love leading worship. I’ve led worship the past few years at my church,” Linscott said. “I’m excited to learn more and grow in my faith at CIU.”
Two Moms, Different Experiences
At curbside downstairs, Devon Spires only had to drive up from Pawley’s Island in South Carolina’s Lowcountry as she dropped off her son “Camp.” He is the first of her four children to leave home for college. And her feelings?
“Well, you know what? I think it depends on the day,” Mrs. Spires admitted. “Today I’m excited for him. I think it’s going to be good. I think he’s ready,” noting Camp will study to be a pastor.
Meanwhile, on the other side of campus, in front of the women’s residence hall, another mom said she shed a few tears as she dropped off the last of her four children for college and is preparing for an “empty nest.”
Becki Conover of Jacksonville, Florida, said “it’s a good feeling, but it’s a sad feeling.”
As their daughter, Sarah pulled her belongings from the family car, she said she is ready.
“I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, I’m excited to start the school year.”
CIU’s Student Life Department prepared a week full of activities to kick off the new school year, including a luau featuring sand volleyball, leis and lawn games. A CIU favorite, neon dodgeball is also planned, as well as off-campus trips to Riverbanks Zoo, a trampoline park and tubing down the Saluda River.
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