By Staff, LCUNews
PINEVILLE, La. (LCUNews) — Louisiana Christian University welcomed the Class of 2026 to campus over the weekend, Aug. 19-21, with several LCU traditions and some new activities to help them get initiated into the Wildcat family.
The freshmen moved in Friday afternoon, got unpacked and hung out with their navigators — upper-class leaders who are assigned a group of freshmen to mentor for the year — before participating in servant leadership exercises the following day.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, the entire freshmen class served the local community by working at the food bank and hosting a back-to-school giveaway for community children.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to prepare our graduates at LCU by teaching our incoming class about servant leadership,” said Meredith Rennier, director of The Center for Calling and Career.
“It is amazing to see how serving others can quickly bring a group of students that barely know one another together,” said Brian Manuel, dean of students.
Classes officially began this morning, Aug. 22.
Freshmen Convocation will be Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m. in Guinn Auditorium. President Rick Brewer, who is starting his 36th year in Christian higher education and his eighth as LCU president, will honor the Lady Wildcats Soccer team for their 2022 winning season and announce other athletic honors for the year.
In addition, Brewer will crown this year’s President for a Day during the service.
“The university’s opening convocation and chapel is always full of excitement and energy,” Brewer said. “A new tradition we started last year is naming a student as ‘President for the Day’ recognizing the impact of position when received yet not earned— a powerful illustration of the Gospel.
“The beginning of a new academic year remains dynamic and full of hope for students,” said Brewer. “We thank the Lord for His Favor and Blessing on our faculty, staff, coaches, and students as we prepare graduates and transform lives.”