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June 23, 2010

University’s Cat Crew helps students make the move

Sarah Beth Ariemma The Union-Recorder

MILLEDGEVILLE — This year, the University Housing Cat Crew is hard at work preparing to welcome a new batch of freshman into Georgia College and State University. The start of the new year would not be complete without cheerful and helpful volunteers to assist the new students with their move-in activities.

Cindy McClanahan is in charge of the project and takes care of making sure that move-in day arrives without a hitch. University housing is required of all new incoming freshmen, and parking is limited outside the dorms, so help in any form is much appreciated.

Cat Crew is comprised of community volunteers. These can be anyone from the community to assist the students in moving in. Churches, and older students can often be found in the Cat Crew, and it helps qualm silent fears in new students who are about to embark on their college careers.

Move in day is Aug. 12, 2010. The time flies by, especially for McClanahan who knows the volume of students and families is high.

“Normally the total is about 1,100 freshman,” she explained. “Last year we had about 250 volunteers. Each year we are looking to increase those numbers. Cat Crew really does help a great deal.”

Officially Cat Crew has been helping students move in for about three years. Similar programs have existed for a long time, but University Housing reinvented Cat Crew into a more organized and recognized event.

“In the past, organizations have come and helped,” began McClanahan. “We’ve helped to make it a bit more organized. It’s a lot easier for volunteers to help. We provide t-shirts, and an appreciation luncheon so everyone helping is easily recognized and understands our appreciation for their time and energy.”

On average, it takes about two and a half hours for a family to move in. Randy Sowell has been helping students move into their dorms at Georgia College for four years.

“The experience has been an ongoing amazing time. It’s great to help them move in and get to know them and their parents,” Sowell said.

According to Sowell, one of the best parts about moving day is the sheer joy on the students and their parents faces when they realize they don’t have to move every childhood memory and budding adulthood piece of furniture into the dorm.

“They show up and they don’t know that we’re going to be there. I love meeting the kids we’re going to be taking care of. Their parents breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will be taken care of, and that makes me feel good, too.”

Sowell and his team can usually move a family from their car to the dorm in about 20 minutes. Unpacking, and organizing can take much longer.

“It’s funny to see their faces when you and your crew go to them when they arrive in their car and begin to help them out. It is definitely appreciated, and everyone is very grateful.”

The Georgia heat can be stifling in June, but even more so in August. The Cat Crew prepares for their long day of heaving and hauling by drinking plenty of water and doing little stretches to ensure that their muscles remain in lose condition. Sowell also does an added step.

“We pray for the opportunity to be able to talk to people and get them involved. Not just within our church, but in our community. They are going to be here for the next four years, and we want to do our best to make them feel welcomed and loved.”

Justin Stubbs is an upcoming senior at Georgia College & State University who has participated in Cat Crew since the very beginning.

“I’ll be doing it again this year. It’s a great way to meet different people and meet people in your hall. If you enjoy helping others, it’s pretty rewarding,” Stubbs said.

“When you wear your shirt, people always come to you to ask for help or feel comfortable asking you questions. I really like that,” Stubbs explained.

Cat Crew will help Georgia College’s new students Aug. 12 and are always looking for new helpers to add to the organized fun. If you are interested in becoming a member of highly motivated group of people and love to help others, e-mail Cindy McClanahan at cindy.mcclanahan@gcsu.edu or call her at (478) 445-5160.

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