GENESEO – SUNY Geneseo once again flung its doors wide in welcome to incoming students, who renewed life and vigor on the long dormant campus.
Parking lots that had remained empty for months were full of cars, students and parents. Families hefted luggage to residence halls. Returning students shouldered their bags like old veterans while newly arrived firstyears said their goodbyes to parents and met new friends.
“He’s my first,” said Sonia Esaw from Brooklyn, NY, who moved her son Jarrett (17) into his residence hall on the South Side Campus on Friday, alongside her husband, Mark. “We’ve never left one at school before, but I feel like we’re doing ok.”
In the Village of Geneseo, residents welcomed students as friends and neighbors. Front lawns on North, Court and Main Streets were covered with lamps, furniture, decorations and appliances as students unloaded from their cars and vans, and residents held yard sales to help students furnish their new homes.
Geneseo’s traditional big blue banner hung over Main Street as students arrived, declaring “Welcome Back Students” on behalf of the College, the Village, and the community.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jarrett Esaw (17) stands with proud parents Sonia Esaw and Mark Esaw on his first day as a student at SUNY Geneseo.