Taylor University welcomes largest-ever class

Welcome events began with a dedication service at 7 p.m. and “get acquainted” events at 8 p.m., which will be followed by orientations, placement tests, auditions and fun activities through the start of classes Monday evening.

Families were busy unloading vehicles and getting students comfortable in their new dorms Friday morning and afternoon. A steady stream of traffic occupied the Vayhinger Loop as families parked, opened and unburdened their vehicles of dorm-sized refrigerators, televisions, sheets and fans.

Steve Morley, associate dean and director of resident life at Taylor, presided over the organized chaos. He said during a few minutes of downtime that it’s exciting to welcome back such a large group of students — the campus houses about 1,750, most of whom were expected to move in Friday — including the largest freshman class in school history.

“In terms of our traditional campus, this is one of the largest total enrollments we’ve had. The residence halls are full. This year we have some rooms that normally are doubles that are triples and some students living in common spaces until we can locate permanent spaces for them,” Morley said. “This is an all-hands-on-deck, busy time. There’s residence hall staff, orientation staff, even some of our athletic teams and office workers out and about helping unload cars, passing out water, answering questions and welcoming people.”