Move-in Excitement for the Class of 2030

Arriving in one of the first cars of the morning, first-year Caroline Zhang and her family were greeted with chants of “Pop! That! Trunk!” by swarming upperclassmen and staff.

After trekking down from New York, N.Y., the extra support ferrying Zhang’s belongings into her new dorm room was appreciated.

“They grabbed all my stuff and ran with it,” she laughed. “It’s really cool.” Zhang is excited to study biology with a vision of going into healthcare.

Zhang is one of the nearly 1,800 new Blue Devils who arrived on Duke’s campus over the weekend. This class of 2030 represents 49 U.S. states and 62 countries outside the U.S.

The O’Donnell family from Boston, Ma., pulled up soon after, having rented a minivan to drive for 17 hours after their flight got canceled. They had an epic travel week moving one daughter into a different college, but now the family was all smiles when greeted by the Duke crowd.

Members of experiential orientation project teams BUILD, Band and Earth cheer on cars arriving with first-year students.

Move-in becomes efficient with help from various experiential orientation project teams.

“It's amazing,” said first-year Ava O’Donnell, who is interested in studying economics and finance. “I love seeing all the kids and having them help us unload our car.”

Tommy Berdahl arrived from South Dakota and his worries were melted by the reception.

“I was feeling nervous before, but now I’m not,” he said. “There’s a ton of energy and a ton of smiles.”

‘Take a Class out of Curiosity’

“We are so excited to welcome you to Duke,” said President Vincent Price, who rolled up his sleeves to help haul students’ belongings into the dorms. “Take advantage of everything Duke has to offer. Go to those unusual places, meet those people that are unlike folks you have met before. Take a class just out of curiosity.”

President Vincent Price shares a laugh with Project Earth members: from left, sophomores Katie Eilers, Sean Dobis, Lily Jantes-Moya, Autumn Demelia and Urvi Jain.

First-years Zoe Valencia and Caroline Zhang, both from New York City, break the ice with a pillow fight in their Trinity Residence Hall dorm.

Kenna Kujawa of Jupiter, Fl., was also looking forward to getting settled and building community. “I’m excited to meet everyone on my floor, in my dorm, in my grade, and, honestly, all around the school,” she said.

She’s coming in open minded about the academic opportunities ahead. “Right now, econ,” Kujawa said, when asked what she was interested in studying – but added quickly: “I’m going to explore everything, and then we’ll see.”

Her mother Rebecca, a Duke alumna, stood by proudly, calling the moment bittersweet.

“I have so many amazing memories, but a lot has changed as well,” she said. “I’m excited for her to make this her place.”

Ishita Bafna, from Morrisville N.C., was giddy joining the throngs of students.

First-year Julian Moscoso, center, of Charlotte is surrounded by his mom, Jackie, sister Analia, and cousin Valentina Molina, as he moves into dorm.

First-year Allie Chung of Sarasota, Fla., left, talks with Kisha Daniels, faculty-in-residence at Trinity.

“It's kind of unreal,” she said. “I just can't believe it's here already.”

Bafna, who is leaning toward studying biomedical engineering, showed off a replica Central Perk sign, the coffee shop depicted in the TV sitcom Friends. “I’m really excited to put this up in my room,” she said.

No doubt it will become just as iconic a gathering place for a new group of friends.

‘Remain True to Yourself’

The long day that for many families began before dawn neared its end just before dusk at Tribull Plaza, where they took last-minute photos.

More than a few parents and students were finding it hard to say goodbye. First-year student Selena Owens sat at a table with her mother Flora Owens.

First years James, left, and Miles Clark of Riverside, Calif., twins, say goodbye to their parents Sheri and Miles before the Family Farewell ceremony.

There were plenty of tearful farewells before students entered Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Flora Owens said she and Selena had a “family talk” two days before they arrived on campus. “I told her to always remain true to herself,” mom said.

Katie Abbott’s eyes were red-rimmed from tears after parting with her son, Isaac Abbott, a student-athlete with the cross country and track and field teams. Isaac’s coach, Kevin Jermyn, stood nearby and offered reassurance: “We’re going to take great care of him,” he told her.

Laura and Tony Kosturi arrived with their son, first-year Andrew, and their younger daughter Mira, from nearby Chapel Hill. Proximity notwithstanding, parting wasn’t easy. “It’s very hard, even though we’re so close,” Laura Kosturi said. “This is a huge milestone,” Tony Kosturi added.

The three families joined the throng of other families walking into Cameron Indoor Stadium for the Family Farewell ceremony, where families officially parted ways.

“Parents upstairs! Students downstairs!” shouted a move-in volunteer about the seating arrangement in the storied arena.

Family Farewell Kicks Off Journey

The festive atmosphere, with upbeat music, cheerleaders and scoreboard welcoming the Class of 2030, felt like a pep rally that grew more energetic when President Price issued an official welcome.

During the Family Farewell ceremony, parents sit upstairs while students are downstairs.

Kara Lawson, women’s head basketball coach, was one of the speakers during the ceremony.

Price told the audience that they were “joining a family of hundreds of thousands of people around this globe who love this university, who share our commitment to excellence, who are committed to making a positive difference in their communities around the world.”

Mary Pat McMahon, the university’s vice provost and vice president of student affairs, asked students to look around and take it all in. “This is the moment. You’ve worked incredibly hard to make this happen. You are here. This is it. It’s real.”

Experiential orientation kicks off the students’ journeys this week, where they will be tackling themed projects emphasizing teamwork and collaboration — and an introduction to their new home away from home, Duke and Durham.