Molloy University’s Rockville Centre campus came alive on Sunday, August 30, as new and returning students arrived for Move-In Day, marking the start of another academic year.
Students and their families made their way across campus throughout the day, unloading cars, carrying boxes into residence halls and settling into their new homes. This fall, 350 students from 23 states and four countries are calling Molloy home.
“Move-In Day is always one of the most exciting days of the year at Molloy University,” said Janine Biscari, Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “It was wonderful to welcome our new and returning students and their families back to campus as we begin another academic year. With 350 students moving in from 23 states and four countries, the energy and excitement across campus was incredible.”
For first-year students, the day marked the beginning of a new chapter and their first opportunity to settle into life on campus. For returning residents, it was a chance to reconnect with friends and the Molloy community after the summer. Helping make that transition a little easier were Molloy’s Orientation Leaders, who welcomed students and families, answered questions and lent a hand throughout the day.
For Orientation Leader Eduardo Leon Lotero ’28, a Finance major in Molloy’s Business Honors Program, the opportunity to help students feel comfortable in their new surroundings was one of the most meaningful parts of the day.
“Welcoming students and families on Move-In Day was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had,” Lotero said. “I enjoy lending a helping hand during such a busy, hectic time in their lives; leaving home and entering a completely new environment can be intimidating.”
From introducing students to the Molloy community and showing them how to use their student IDs to carrying boxes and bags into the residence halls, Lotero said he aims to make the transition as welcoming as possible.
“My goal is to serve as best as I can and make this day filled with joy and a sense of achievement,” he said.
That spirit of welcome extended throughout the residence halls as the quiet of summer gave way to the activity of a new semester.
“There’s nothing quite like the energy of Move-In Day at Molloy,” said Carlos Dos Santos, director of Residence Life. “Watching new and returning residents step onto campus,
surrounded by their families and ready to start this next chapter, is one of the most rewarding parts of working in Residence Life.”
After a quieter summer, Dos Santos said the return of Molloy’s residential community brings new life to the residence halls.
“Our hallways, which were quiet for a majority of the summer, are now going to be filled with laughter, nervous excitement, and 350 students who are thrilled to come back to the University for another exciting year,” he said. “We’re excited to have everyone back and look forward to a great year filled with amazing programs and experiences.”
For Lotero, the welcome students receive on Move-In Day is only the beginning. As new students settle into their residence halls, classes and campus life, he hopes they quickly discover a sense of belonging within the Molloy community.
“I hope incoming students feel that Molloy University is where they belong,” Lotero said. “This could be the most wonderful chapter of their lives, and we are all here to support one another and make our experiences as fantastic as possible.”
With students moved in and another academic year underway, the University community looks forward to the opportunities, connections and memories ahead.
“We are thrilled to welcome everyone home to Molloy and look forward to a year filled with new opportunities, connections, and memories,” Biscari said. “There is truly no better way to start the academic year than seeing our campus come alive again.”
