Volunteers help more than 900 students move into residence halls

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Loper football team among those who lend a hand

By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications

KEARNEY – Lopers helping Lopers.

A group of University of Nebraska at Kearney football players hoisted a heavy futon and multiple rugs through a campus parking lot and into Mantor Hall Friday morning.

The athletes were among nearly 200 volunteers – including Chancellor Doug Kristensen – who helped new students move into residence halls on campus.

“I think it’s important for our kids to learn how to give back. It’s one of our core values – servant leadership. We embrace the idea of Lopers helping Lopers for our football team,” said Josh Lamberson, head football coach. “It allowed the team to get out and meet new students and families, and encourage them to come to football games and support the Lopers.”

The entire football team – 121 student athletes – and coaches helped students move into residence halls.

“It was great. The kids had a good time. They got to meet different people from all over the Midwest. They shared stories with parents and provided insight to parents. They even eased some moms’ worries,” said Lamberson.

Volunteers included the football team and Loper Leaders, students who serve as campus guides, answer questions and interact with new students during Blue and Gold Welcome Week.

“It’s most important that we have the UNK community welcoming new UNK Lopers into the family. We want to show them that they do have a place here,” said Alisha Hanshaw, associate director of Residence Life. “To have our own returning students volunteer and give up their time to make sure new students feel welcome is so amazing. It can be stressful for mom and dad, and those students are there to let them know that their child is in good hands.”

Hanshaw said having current students help new students move into residence halls has been a tradition for many years.

“Having so much help was a big surprise,” said Matt Anielak, father of Katy Anielak, a freshman from Bennington.

Students began moving into residence halls and Greek housing Aug. 10. But more than 900 students moved onto campus Friday.

“Today has gone better than I thought it would. I thought I would be sad, but it’s more festive and fun than I expected,” said Julie Shapcott, mother of Erin Shapcott, a freshman from Underwood, Iowa.

Blue and Gold Welcome Week festivities continue throughout the weekend and through Sept. 3 with events such as Big Apple Fun Night, an ice cream social, Destination Downtown, a climbing workshop at the Wellness Center Climbing Wall, an outdoor movie and more.

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