Alumni and current students gathered together on Monday evening, June 29, to welcome incoming students and their parents at the 2009 Denver-area Student Send-off.

Approximately 60 people attended the dessert event, which was held at the home of alumni Dan and Dawn Henry. President Barry H. Corey greeted new students and gave an update on the University as he looks toward the start of the new academic year. Rick Bee, Senior Director of Alumni Relations, and Colleen Heycoop, Director of Parent Relations, were on hand to greet families and answer questions.

There was plenty of time for guests to mingle and enjoy personal interaction with the president, and the enthusiasm of the incoming students was obvious. One incoming psychology student expressed her excitement, "I'm so looking forward to going to Biola. My hope is that I will be able to attend graduate school at Rosemead [School of Psychology] and become a Marriage and Family Therapist." Her anticipation was matched with that of Jenny Hatton, a sophomore pre-med student, who said, "My favorite classes this past year were my Bible classes. I had some amazing professors. I liked my science classes, too. They were extremely challenging!"

The Send-offs continue to be excellent opportunities for new students to feel as though they have personal relationships at Biola before they even make it to campus. Parents are similarly encouraged; as one alumnus noted, "I wish my wife and I had more college-aged children so we could send them to Biola. "

Twelve additional Send-offs will be held during the summer. Find a Send-off in your area.