Staff photo by Fritz Busch Martin Luther College Resident Assistants from left, Katie Kutz of Nodine, Mn and Katie Rosenau, Leesburg, Fl assist incoming freshmen by carrying their personal items into residence halls Thursday. College authorities said about 185 new students are coming to campus this fall.

NEW ULM — Martin Luther College (MLC) Resident Assistants (RA) lent a helping hand and a welcoming feeling to incoming freshmen Thursday.

New student orientation began Thursday and continues through Sunday. Thursday and Friday were the move-in days for new students. Some student athletes arrived last week. Returning students will arrive Saturday and Sunday.

Katie Kutz of Nodine (near Winona) and Katie Rosenau of Leesburg, Fl were among the helpful, smiling RAs who helped incoming freshmen move into their dorm rooms Thursday.

“I like how friendly everyone is here. It’s such a positive environment and good Christian community,” said Kutz who is majoring in elementary education and English. She carried a large window fan into the dorm.

“We’re so excited about all the freshmen with smiling faces moving in. It’s fun to help them out,” said Rosenau, who is also majoring in elementary education and English. She carried a box of clothes hangers and a suit on a hanger into the dorm.

Incoming freshmen had similar feelings.

“It’s a wonderful, Christian environment that is really incredible. It’s a spiritual experience with family and new friends. We worship together twice a day. Everyone here is going into the ministry. Their purpose is to serve God and others. Everybody wants to save others and spread God’s word. It’s such a blessing to go to school here,” said Lily Zimpelmann, a high school English major from Manitowoc, Wi.

Physical education major Malachi Hulse of Manitowoc arrived last week with the MLC football team.

“I love it here. It’s a great little community with everybody helping everybody. Football has been a great way for me to make new friends,” Hulse said.

“It’s very welcoming. It feels like home,” said vocal music major Madison Barnett of Vassar, Mi.

Another vocal music major, Mary Wang of Beijing, China said she was impressed with people being so helpful and friendly.

“The people here are wonderful,” said Megan Steinke, an early learning education major from Austin, Tx.

MLC Student Life Office Executive Assistant Laura Olson said about 185 new students and about 620 full-time undergraduate students are expected this fall.

“We’re excited to have the students back on campus. Now, it’s business as usual said Olson.

The opening service for the new school year is set for 10:15 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26. The MLC cafeteria opens to the public for lunch, 11-2 p.m., Aug. 26. Dinner is served 5-7 p.m. Breakfast is 7-9 a.m. Lunch cost if $9, dinner $9.50.

A student job fair is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The Dr. Martin Luther College class of 1966 Reunion is set for Sept. 4-5.

For more information, visit https://mlc-wels.edu/