By Rebecca Dailey
The 2023-2024 school year brings in 272 Freshmen, the largest freshman class since 2016.
Thereasa Villnave (‘27) says, “It’s been really good because teachers seem to really care, are willing to make appointments and understand you as a person.”
Villnave hopes to play a sport and is looking forward to the unique options for classes.
Freshman class representative Grace Hall (‘27) says, “I hope to get involved and engage with people. Everyone is so nice and the campus is beautiful.”
Grace Hall partakes in Monday morning bible studies and student council.
Hall is “Super excited and grateful for the opportunity to be voted class rep for the freshman class. I am excited to serve my class and hope to make an impact for Christ on our campus. I am thankful that there are many opportunities to engage in worship on campus. Koin has been great. I love worshiping with other believers. I am so grateful for the beauty of Houghton. This campus is gorgeous and we are so blessed to live here. God has been good and faithful. I am expectant that He will do great things with my class!”
Her brother, Carter Hall (‘27), is “Excited to see what the future holds and create stronger relationships.”
Carter Hall has been given the opportunity to help with Koinonia, and has been invited to join other studies which look at the scriptures as well as encouraging singing and worshiping.
“College/University is the time where we must, if we have not already,” Carter Hall states, “make our faith our own. If you look, those opportunities are all around. This can include Bible studies, student led ministries and fellowship on and off campus.”
Jackson Collins (‘27) stated, “The way we perceive things and the different [C]hristian perspectives is important. I didn’t expect to be so busy, there is definitely a balancing act between friends, family and spiritual life.”
Collins participates in Koinonia, Mercy Seat and is on the cross-country team.
Collins says, “God has given me the gifts of music and I am certainly called to the musical ministry of Koin and Mercy Seat. From my observation, there has been a large spiritual awakening and desire to follow God and honor him through music, Bible studies, and a strong community. Koin and Mercy Seat mean a lot to me, since it is a way I can honor God and grow in community.”
Samantha Renken (‘27) didn’t expect “how supportive everyone is and they’re so nice even if you don’t really know them.”
Renken hopes to continue to grow with the people.
Collins “didn’t expect how busy he would be or how strong and diverse the Christian community is.”
Dean of the Chapel, Michael Jordan sent the 2027 freshman class off with, “Stay curious, freshmen have a wonderful way to look at the world. I hope they keep loving Houghton and growing their faith.” ★
