BEMIDJI — It was all hands on deck Thursday morning as Bemidji State welcomed incoming freshmen to Oak and Tamarack Hall, with parents, resident assistants, student-athletes and BSU staff helping students haul their belongings into the dorms.
“I am so excited about this incoming class,” BSU President John Hoffman expressed as he greeted students outside Tamarack Hall. “We have got the largest incoming class that we've had since before the pandemic. And for the first time since 2017, our overall enrollment is going to be up this year.”
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Hoffman acknowledged some of the difficulties BSU has faced in recent years, and that the future is looking brighter as the university strengthens its foundation for growth.
“We've had to work through some difficult times and we're still working through those, but we are building a foundation for growth,” Hoffman said. “And these students that are coming in, the energy that I have had in talking to folks, and parents, and students bringing in boxes, they're excited to be here. This is how we build our future.”
A worry for new freshmen can be moving out for the first time and not knowing people. Hoffman reassured that there are plenty of events for students to go to meet new friends in a fun and welcoming environment.
He also emphasized the importance of attending the events during orientation week to build new relationships and recommended everyone go to BSU’s opening football game at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, for a great game and a chance to meet new people.
Hoffman noted that one thing that keeps the annual move-in day going smoothly each year is the student-athletes who are always ready to help.
“I've had to wrestle with some of our student-athletes, so I can get in and actually carry a couple of boxes because there are so many student-athletes here to help — they're just amazing individuals,” he said with a laugh. “We are going to have 409 student-athletes this year. So, our student-athlete numbers continue to grow. I am so excited to have them here.”
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True team players
Members of Bemidji State’s baseball team proved to be team players on and off the field while helping freshmen move into Oak Hall on Thursday.
“I think it's important to set the precedent of us wanting to be a family as a team, but also as a community and as a university,” Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Davis Schaefer said. “For us, part of building our team is to bring guys to Bemidji State that want to be here for the same reason as everyone else — to get a great degree from a great university. We are part of something special, whether that’s our team or our university.”
Student-athletes at Tamarack and Oak Hall could be seen hauling heavy loads with big smiles as they trekked from parking lots to dorm rooms.
“We get to see a lot of emotions, they're very excited, and look like they're happy to be here,” third basemen Nick Ekstrum said. “It’s good to see new faces.”
This is Ekstrum’s second year helping freshmen move in but this year he took on more of a leadership role while still working to keep the vibe lighthearted and fun.
“I’ve been more of a controller for all the guys, making sure they're accountable,” Ekstrum said with a smile. “I’m making sure everyone's on task and staying focused.”
He shared his freshman move-in experience and how meaningful those initial interactions can be when starting at a new college.
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“I had a guy that was two years older than me who helped,” Ekstrum recalled. “He was in the same degree as me and I was unsure if I was going to stay in that major or not, and he helped me out and we decided that it was a good fit for me. It felt good to have someone like that on campus.”
A strong community creates leaders
Friends Ellee George and Emma Hochhalter were on the scene as they started their first year as resident assistants and peer academic assistants in Oak Hall.
The two noted how much of their college experience was impacted by the positive relationships they formed with their previous resident assistants. Now, they want to do the same for others.
“I would say the RA I had on my floor encouraged me to become an RA,” George shared.
“My RA from last year also encouraged me to become part of Res Life, too.” Hochhalter chimed in.
Hochhalter explained the importance of resident assistants and their role in creating strong communities on campus.
“My RA was always encouraging me to get out and meet new people, so that was really helpful for me,” Hochhalter said. “They're the ones that bring the floor together and create a floor community. And I think that's important, too, because if you don't have your floor community, then you kind of feel like you don't belong. And it’s important to feel like you belong.”
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George and Hochhalter agreed that a strong community is one of their favorite things about BSU and are excited to continue that legacy as resident assistants.
“I would tell freshmen to push themselves to try new things and meet some new people,” George said. “You might not want to go, but just go — you’ll benefit from it. I encourage people to try new things with their roommate because you’re in this together and it’s super important to put yourself out there.”
The community between the members of Residential Life was noticeable as they assisted one another and the new students.
“I think we have a wonderful staff,” Assistant Resident Hall Director Gracy Yang said. “I’ve been working with Victoria Ames, she’s also an assistant resident hall director, for three years. We started at the same time. There’s only four of us that have been here for three years and it feels like we’ve grown up with each other.”
Yang is excited to graduate in May 2025 and will be making this last year count with fun activities, team bonding and an inclusive environment.
“I will be making the most out of it and doing things that I didn't get to do in the past years,” Yang shared. “Also, I will be very focused on my Oak staff as a whole and pushing for team bonding, and having a very inclusive building for all our residents.”
Yang echoes the recurring sentiment that was heard and felt throughout the dorms Thursday morning– Bemidji State puts in the work to have a strong community.
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“This campus is a place that is embracing and caring, so making relationships, that's what makes the difference,” Hoffman left off. “It sets us apart from some of the big schools, because you get to know people. So, break out of your comfort zone, say hello, introduce yourself to someone else. Ask everybody ‘Where are you from? What are you going to study?’, and the conversations are just going to open up from there.”
The Trust Project
