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Media Contact: Maddy Elledge
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Young Harris College Welcomes 2016-2017 Academic Year
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – President Cathy Cox declared the Young Harris College academic year open for learning on Tuesday, Aug. 16, during the annual Convocation Ceremony. The College welcomed more than 1,100 students to campus, including a record number of transfer students.
“We’re pleased to welcome a class of outstanding first-year students as well as many talented transfer students,” said President Cox. “I know each and every one of these students will thrive as scholars and members of the YHC community.”
New students moved into residence halls on Aug. 13 with the help of YHC faculty, staff, and student volunteers who assisted with unloading cars and transporting the students’ items to their room.
“When I first arrived on campus three years ago, I was welcomed by an excited staff and welcoming hands,” said senior business and public policy major Justin Redmond, of Athens, Ga. “It made my transition into the College feel so welcoming. By volunteering with move-in day, I have been able to show the new freshmen that same excitement and warm welcome I received myself.”
Parents of first-year students had the opportunity to meet with faculty and staff during the College’s first-ever Parent’ Reception held after move-in that evening in the Zell and Shirley Miller Library.
The Division of Student Development kicked off the year with their annual Welcome Week. “Welcome Week is a way for YHC students to dive right in to life at the College,” explained Director of Campus Activities Kelsey Dillard. “It sets a fun, exciting tone while also providing a caring environment not only for our new students, but those who come back every year.”
Activities during the week included the annual Student Organization and Local Business Fair, Resident Assistant Lip Sync, and Chapel Concert sponsored by the Office of Religious Life.
“Welcome Week provides products and information that students actually need. The annual poster sale is a big hit because students might realize their room isn’t looking so ‘homey.’ They can stop by, make a purchase and instantly decorate,” said Dillard. “The Student Organization and Local Business Fair provides giveaways from churches and businesses, but it also gives students the opportunity to know exactly which groups exist on our campus, and what job opportunities are in the area.”
Since earning its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in 2008 to grant bachelor’s degrees, YHC has continued to add academic programming to benefit students. This year, the College added a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre to its array of majors.
“Our Division of Fine Arts has seen great success with the existing musical theatre concentration. Now, students will have the opportunity to perfect their technique through the B.F.A. program,” said President Cox. “I am excited to see what this year will hold for the College as well as our students, faculty and staff.”
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private, baccalaureate degree-granting college located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through the highest quality liberal arts education. The College currently has more than 1,200 students across five divisions—Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Mathematics and Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The historic campus in Young Harris, Ga., has completed major campus improvements to accommodate the College’s growth. Recent LEED-certified campus improvements include the 121,000-square-foot Rollins Campus Center, new residence facilities, and a 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center. The College is an active member of NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. YHC is among fewer than 300 colleges and universities nationwide named to the 2016-2017 list of Colleges of Distinction. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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