Badger Connection Gets Underway This Summer at SHC

(Mobile, Ala.) Spring Hill College (SHC) welcomed in new incoming students and their families at its two-day 2024 Badger Connection (BC) from June 21-22. Ahead of the upcoming school year, students undergo summer orientation to help shift them into college life on The Hill.  

The College’s new extended family was greeted with Badger chants and cheers at the side entrance of the Barter Student Center. Later convening in LeBlanc Hall, Provost Rebecca Cantor, PhD, spoke a few reassuring words to parents about to see their children off to college. President Mary H. Van Brunt, PhD, followed behind Cantor to announce upcoming developments that would enrich campus life.

Lead organizers of the orientation were Director of Housing & Residence Life Rapunizal Boykin and Student Involvement Coordinator Morgan Roland, who were especially excited about connecting the next batch of Badgers to campus information and resources.

“We hope that students and parents meet people to help them make this transition easier,” explained Boykin. “We also want to make sure we answer all of their questions and get them prepared for classes in August.”

While parents stayed back in LeBlanc, new students split off into four groups that were led by one or two BC guides, actively model SHC students. Each introduced who they were, naming off their academic majors and associations.  

Listed below are the 2024 BC guides:

  • Madison Demming of Class ’25, majoring in Political Science & Law
  • Steven Lyles of Class ’25, majoring in Management/Marketing
  • Rory Davis of Class ’25, majoring in Management/Marketing
  • Cassie Barkley of Class ’25, majoring in Nursing
  • Will Messersmith of Class ’25, majoring in History
  • Averie Garrett of Class ’25, majoring in Psychology
  • Angel Nettles of Class ’26, majoring in Pre-Nursing
  • Jalen Williams of Class ’26, majoring in International Business
  • Caroline Goodman of Class ’26, majoring in Political Science & Law
  • Georgia Butler of Class ’26, majoring in Psychology
  • Christian Glover of Class ’27, majoring in Criminology
  • Greyson Goddard of Class ’27, majoring in Digital Content Production
  • Rafael Lima of Class ’27, majoring in Digital Marketing

The BC guides took the new students under their wing for the better half of the day, sharing their individual SHC experiences and assisting with navigation around campus. Students met with many staff and faculty to learn what to expect in the first year, healthy living and practicing safety on The Hill.

“We had a great turnout with this June session and we are excited to welcome students back to campus in the fall! I’m excited about the second session! I’m excited to welcome more of our students to campus and have our BC guides give them the best experience,” Boykin exclaimed.

The first day ended with a Badger Bash at Rydex Commons for students and a Parents’ Reception at McKinney’s. The next day, they returned to an orientation overview. That day, students spent time with advisors to register for courses. Students and their families then went to a Residence Life Open House in the Guatrelet Room to conclude the weekend event.

SHC will host its next session of Badger Connection on July 12. If you missed the first session, now’s your chance to register for the second. Sign up here.                             

ABOUT SPRING HILL COLLEGE:
Founded in 1830, Spring Hill College is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the United States. Spring Hill combines the Jesuit tradition of excellence in education and a commitment to caring for the whole person — mind, body and spirit — with innovative educational experiences. Located in Mobile, Ala., Spring Hill’s mission is to form leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice, and service for life. As a result, Spring Hill students are engaged, inspired and transformed by their experiences.