Vanguard University

On Thursday, August 21, Vanguard University hosted its annual Welcome Week event—a tradition that marked the new academic year and signified an answer to the calling placed on these students’ lives for the next four years. With more than 500 incoming students and their families in attendance, the campus was filled with energy and anticipation —a welcome shift in the atmosphere after a quiet summer.  

New students’ first stop was the check-in area at William J. Seymour Sanctuary, home to chapel services, night of worship gatherings, and special events. Students took photos for their ID cards, spoke to financial aid representatives, received VU swag, and more. And don’t worry—the family members also received a gift: a button that read “Part of the Fam” or “Part of the Village” to signify the role each person played along their student’s journey. Thank you, Fam!

Once the logistics were out of the way, for many, it was time to move into their residence hall. Students and families drove their luggage-filled vehicles to their dorm assignments to begin the unloading process. Vanguard’s Frontline Leaders greeted each car as if it were the first—cheering, clapping, jumping up and down—making the move-in process fun, upbeat, and filled with laughter.

If there was ever a significant reminder of Vanguard’s heart for its people, it was the first question asked as each car pulled up: “What’s your name?”  

Within seconds, Frontline Leaders and their teams descended on the car and grabbed anything and everything they could. The sense of relief was palpable as families realized they didn’t need to lift a single thing, especially those assigned to higher floors! Families enjoyed the moment as students clung to whatever was left, often a personal, prized possession. 

The emotions settled in as day one ended with our Family BBQ. With a full meal, root beer floats (thanks, Vanguard Alumni!), and a beautiful summer evening, families relaxed after a long day. After dinner, the Vanguard Worship Collective led a time of worship, families shared communion, and received a blessing and commissioning from President Michael J. Beals.

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Some had tears in their eyes, some beamed with pride, and a few had both. For many, this day was years in the making—never a doubt that college was in the cards. For others, it was an answer to prayers from years before as students stepped in as first-generation college students. It was a night to remember.

The start of Welcome Week wasn’t just about settling in. It was a reminder that each student is stepping into something special and transformative: a Christ-centered community, where the Holy Spirit dwells and where its people are marked by love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We thank God for trusting us with our students, and we will continue to be faithful and diligent in our mission: to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith, and equip each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.