Undeterred by the triple digit heat, Lander University students returned to campus on Monday, August 21 to begin a new semester.
Junior exercise science major Megan Hutto, of Easley, and sophomore exercise science major Jenna Paolozzi, of Murrell’s Inlet, were happy to be reunited with their friends, after not seeing them during the summer. Hutto’s to-do list included finishing her internship with Self Regional Hospital, where she has been working as a physical therapist. Paolozzi was eager to “learn new things, and get more involved on campus than last year.”
Carson Kervin, a junior business major from Edgefield, said she had been having a “great first day.” A class that she was looking forward to was Business 399, taught by MaryKate Leggieri. “She’s a very good professor,” she said.
Joining the returning students were new students, like Evan Panagos, a junior marketing major from Fountain Inn. Panagos said he was enjoying the “atmosphere” at Lander.
“It’s kind of an open campus. I really do like it here,” he said.
He said he already has an associate’s degree.
“I figured it was time to get going on my bachelor’s,” he said.
Secondary history education major Karis Gary, a sophomore transfer student from Elberton, Georgia, said that Lander was “a little busier than I’m used to,” but she was adjusting to the new pace. Her goals for the semester, she said, were to “find some people to be friends with, and do well in my classes.”
Cooling off under an umbrella in front of the Larry A. Jackson Library were senior nursing majors Kayla Cantey, of Columbia, Gracen Bozard, of Chapin, Kirsten Dale, of Pageland, and Alison Turner, of Moore. When they were invited to talk about their goals for the school year, Cantey spoke up.
“Passing,” she said. “We’re all looking forward to passing.”