Athletes preparing for the school’s first year in the NCAA Division 1 began arriving to train over the summer.
This year’s freshman class of 1,100-plus is the largest ever for Merrimack. School administrators were well prepared with with volunteers from faculty and staff as well as residential assistance, club members, TKE, and athletic team members to direct traffic and unload vehicles.
“Move-in day is an important introduction to our newest Warriors into the Merrimack Community,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Allison Gill, the dean of students. “It is an exciting time with a great deal of positive energy. It is a positive and supportive atmosphere for our students and their families.”
Bruna Mariani, of Brazil, is a business and marketing major, was a foreign exchange student for high school and Merrimack was a perfect fit after deciding to stay in the United States for college.
“I’ve heard a lot about the campus and community,” Mariani said. “Friendly, close, and small classes.”
Director of Undergraduate Admissions Gianna Voccola stood at the corner of Walsh Way at Lot H welcoming new students and families to campus. In some cases, she worked with the new students for a year and a half to get them ready for their academic career at Merrimack.
“These students are all my pride and joy,” Voccola said. “I’m saying hello to families I’ve worked with the last year-plus.”
Christine Bouchard, assistant manager for enterprise applications in Information Technology Services, was also at Lot H feeling empathetic for parents.
“Years ago I was moving my kids in, so I’ve been on the other side,” Bouchard said. Her youngest son Andrew Bouchard ’19 was a mechanical engineering student.
“Today is fabulous, it’s full of excitement, it’s full of energy,” Voccola said. “It’s a great moment to be a Warrior.”
Cheryl Delaney, of North Reading, Massachusetts was dropping off her daughter Hannah Delaney.
“I’m excited for her,” Cheryl Delaney said. “More excited than sad. I got a little (weepy) today for a moment but I’m over it and hope she loves it.”
Helen Brown, of Lynn, Massachusetts stood inside Ash Centre waiting for her daughter Ava Brown who was inside her dorm room. Ava is the first of Helen Brown’s three children to start college.
Helen Brown marveled at the activity around her. Inside and outside the building were abuzz with volunteers walking in all directions moving freshmen belongings.
“Everything has been perfectly executed, strategically perfect,” she said. “It seems to be a well-oiled maching from pull-up, line-up, to unload. That was nice.”
Ava Lescinskas, of Braintree, is an early childhood education major who admitted to being nervous as well as excited. For her, Merrimack is far enough from home to be a resident but close enough to go home if she wants.
Alex Harrison, of Clifton Park, New York, is a business major with a sports management concentration who toured the campus while looking for colleges to attend.
“I fell in love with the campus and what it has to offer,” Harrison said. “Close to Boston and I have family in the area so I just love it here.”
