New Students at Lander Launch into Life as Bearcats

Lander University’s newest Bearcats received a warm welcome into the University community during the annual Lander Launch on Friday, Aug. 14.

They gathered for meals, made connections, met Lander’s faculty and staff and every single one of them even squeezed in for a selfie with Lander President Richard Cosentino and the iconic “LU” freshman class photo on the Laura Lander Hall lawn.

Lander Launch was one part of a welcome week full of events that included an ice cream and karaoke night, pool party, movie night, club fair and more.

During the Launch program, Cosentino reminded the students that they are in the right place for them and provided several key tips for success at Lander.

Those tips included focusing on themselves and surrounding themselves with people who are equally driven to succeed.

“Welcome to Lander University,” he told the students. “From today until the day you die, you will be a Bearcat.”

Since its inception in 2022, the Lander Launch has become one of Lander’s most exciting times of the year. Dr. Amanda Darden, vice president of student experience and the visionary behind Lander Launch, said the event provides an opportunity to welcome new Lander Bearcats as they officially become part of the Lander community.

Darden shared that this year’s Launch is especially significant. The Lander University graduating class of May 2026 was the first class to participate in the Lander Launch, and many members of that class identified the experience as one of their most memorable moments during their four years at Lander.

Lander junior Chris Morciglio shared his Lander experience so far with the students, stressing the importance of getting involved on campus and the benefits each of those opportunities comes with. He talked about rushing and joining a fraternity, where he has built friendships with people he may not have run into during his normal classes.

“Those friendships have created the foundation for my success at Lander,” Morciglio said.

He also talked about the confidence gained during his time as a peer leader in the Link 101 program and his strengthened communication skills and confidence from being a Presidential Ambassador and Orientation Leader. Participating in intramurals gave him another way to meet new people, stay active and participate in friendly competition.

“Through all these experiences, I met incredible people, created lasting memories and developed skills I’ll carry with me long after graduation,” Morciglio said.

“Looking back, I realized that college is about making connections, stepping outside your comfort zone and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

All Lander students returned to the classroom for the 2026-27 academic year on Aug. 17 for the first day of classes.