Fullerton, Calif. - Cal State Fullerton Athletics lent a helping hand to over 1,800 students that moved into CSUF housing on Aug. 20,2015.
All 15 programs spent the day moving everything from luggage to small refrigerators for new and returning residents.
Freshman Morgan Badillo moved down from San Francisco and attributed her smooth move in day to a few women’s basketball players.
“It was actually really great to have individuals who know the campus; who I could talk to not only about moving in and get help for moving but also to hear about them and their experiences they had on campus,” Badillo said. “They seem like they really love Fullerton and they really love the community that they are part of.”
Titans Athletics has made it a priority to be present on move-in day since 2013. Even the newest of members to the Titan family made it a priority to be on hand to help. First-year Volleyball Head Coach Ashley Preston was there with her team.
“The importance for athletics to come out is to show support on campus and that all the new students can know the different teams and coaches.” Preston said. “We are apart of the campus community so it is important for us to be here.”
Despite the hot, August weather, baseball kept the movers hydrated and refreshed by providing a personally delivered water cooler. The men’s golf team diligently found students in the parking lots and aided them with crates up the few flights of stairs to their dorms, while men’s soccer made the day a little sweeter for a new friend by sharing a snow cone.
Athletics was not the only department or organization spreading kindness. Approximately 300 volunteers, including school organizations and clubs also volunteered to make move in day a success.
“It is my third opening day as director and all the goals we had were met for the day,” Director of Housing and Resident Life Larry Martin said. “A big part of it was the volunteers.”
In partnership with Titans Athletics, KIND Snacks spearheaded the KIND movement on move in day. The movement and company motto is “Do the KIND thing” and they did just that, handing out bars and snacks; one to keep and one to graciously give to someone.
With all the students settled in, the new residents packed into Titan Gym, home of men and women’s basketball and volleyball teams, for a Town Hall meeting. The meeting consisted of basic guidelines, rules, and advice about campus life.
“Meeting in Titan Gym made the event much more festive. It allowed for fun and gave us the ability to drive home serious content,” Martin said.
Nutrishop Anaheim/Fullerton partnered with Titan Athletics to give the students free t-shirts upon arrival. Women’s Basketball Head Coach Daron Park and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dedrique Taylor gave a quick pep talk to the new students about supporting everyone in Titans Territory.
“It’s awesome to see athletes connect with freshman and welcome them to campus,” said senior Lydia Wang. “You go to the games and you say ‘Wow! The point guard helped me move in!” You just appreciate the unity and school spirit. Any student can come out but it’s extra special to see student leaders helping out.“