Photos: SLU Welcomes Newest Billikens to Campus
As car after car pulled into Laclede Garage at Saint Louis University, the Oriflamme leaders made their presence known.
Often heard before they were seen, the Orifflame students clad in their orange shirts were the welcoming party for new students on Friday’s move-in day. The Orifflame students provide energy and moving support to make sure SLU’s newest Billikens start their time on campus off on the right foot.
“Every part of this fun,” said Oriflamme member Sophia Brummond. “My favorite part of move-in is when I get to Laclede, and it’s just so high energy. People are carrying minifridges up 14 flights of stairs, and it’s still a dance party in the garage. You’re having the genuine most fun of your entire life. Being around a supportive community is the best part of move-in — you’re just having fun all day.”
Brummond said she remembers her own move-in experience and couldn’t help but notice just how much the Oriflamme leaders were enjoying the day. She joined the program the next year, and this year she was helping coordinate move-in from the Spring Hall parking lot.
“I fell in love with it,” Brummond said. “I entered into Oriflamme having no friends who were doing it, and I continued because of the community that I found within Oriflamme. Just the hunger we all have to help these new students – this is full volunteer work, no payment, we just all want to do this for the love of the game. I think Oriflamme really just embodies the servant leadership aspect of SLU.”
Incoming student Carlos Paret said he was a bit overwhelmed by the move-in process as he stood in Laclede Garage. With Orifflame leaders' cheers echoing throughout the garage, Paret said he was ready to take the big step and start his college journey.
“I’m excited about all the new experiences and the chances to explore,” he said. “I just want to see a different version of my life.”
Coming from Kissimmee, Florida, Paret said he had multiple different options for college, but ultimately settled on SLU after attending SLU 101, SLU’s summer orientation program for incoming students.
“I made the decision to come here on a whim, but I’m really glad I did,” Paret said. “I kind of just threw a dart at the board in the beginning, but then after SLU 101, it was the community – it made me decide that this is definitely for me and I want to stay here.”
The SLU 101 experience also helped Madeline Schmidt, a parent of an incoming student, feel better about move-in. Schmidt said she had mixed emotions about the day, but after her son Joe’s positive experience at orientation, she felt he was in the right place.
“I’m obviously very sad to see him go, but it’s very exciting for him,” she said. “He’s very excited. He met a lot of kids at SLU 101, so he’s already got a group of friends. My hope is that he just has fun, enjoys college, and hangs out with a lot of kids.”