Throughout July and early August, Samford University will host send-off parties for incoming freshmen and their families, allowing them to meet other freshmen and families from their area. Samford staff members will also be available to answer any last-minute questions.
This summer, send-off parties are scheduled in Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Huntsville, Louisville, Mobile, Nashville, Newport Beach, Orlando, Slidell and Tampa.
These events are helpful in building a Samford community away from the campus itself, according to Susan Doyle, office of family and parent program director. Students often meet each other and coordinate rides to and from home, delivery of packages and find a friendly face to smile at around campus.
“Send-offs help new Samford families make connections with as many students and family members as possible so they all feel right at home when school begins,” Doyle said.
These parties will be held in homes or event venues in the scheduled city. Samford President Andrew Westmoreland has also been known to make surprise visits in some cities, Doyle added.
Atlanta
July 23, 7 – 9 p.m.
Roswell Historic Cottage, 972 Alpharetta St., Roswell
Austin
Aug. 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Home of the Welch Family, 4500 Mantle Drive
Birmingham
Aug. 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Pete Hanna Center East Lobby, Samford University
Chattanooga
July 24, 7 – 9 p.m.
Home of the Armor Family, 1244 Longholm Court
Dallas/Fort Worth
Aug. 5, 6 – 8 p.m.
Home of the Tyler Family, 1908 Arrington Court, Colleyville
Houston
Aug. 2, 7 – 9 p.m.
Avalon Diner, 8823 Katy Freeway
Huntsville
July 25, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Hall at the Lumberyard, 611 Meridian St.
Louisville
July 20, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Home of the Johnson Family, 17904 Aaron Creek Way, Fisherville
Mobile Area
July 30, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Timbercreek Community Center, 20170 Leyland Lane, Spanish Fort
Nashville
July 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Noah Liff Opera Center, 3622 Redmon St.
Newport Beach Area
Aug. 7, 7 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Home of the Ewing Family, 1316 Antigua Way, Newport Beach
Orlando
Aug. 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Home of the Brady Family, 4 First Court, Windermere
Slidell/New Orleans Area
July 31, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Home of the Welch Family, 17 Harbor Cove
Tampa Bay
Aug. 8, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tampa Bay Yacht Club, 5320 Interbay Blvd.