DBU REPORT 8 New Tradition is a Home Run Over 600 New Patriots Arrive on University Hill For DBU’s newest Patriots, this summer was full of firsts—first time ringing the bell at New Patriot Orientation, first time making new friends on the Hill, and first time becoming DBU Patriots. Student Welcome and Transition Week (SWAT) capped off the summer festivities as over 600 new Patriots arrived on University Hill. The fun began this year with Move-In Day when over 100 upperclassmen volunteers gave an enthusiastic welcome to students and helped with luggage and unloading. Incoming students were then divided into four corps—Lexington, Concord, Yorktown, and Saratoga—all led by upperclassmen corps captains and small group leaders. Each corps competed in chant-offs, musical performances, sports, and games, culminating in the crowning of the SWAT champions! This year, Concord came out on top! A Warm Welcome President Adam C. Wright invited every student into the President’s Home on campus to personally welcome each new Patriot. Dr. Wright and his wife, Candice, love opening their home to new students each year as it allows them to see firsthand how God is moving through every new student who steps on University Hill. Students also participated in service projects, splitting into a dozen groups and traveling to ministries across the DFW metroplex. “Seeing God work through the DBU Family by being the hands and feet of Christ at home is one of our favorite parts about SWAT each year,” said Wayne Briggs, Director of Student Life. Students served at OurCalling, Mission Arlington, Vision Therapy, Beautiful Feet, Soaring Eagle Center, Tarrant Area Foodbank, and other organizations. Running Home After a busy week of making new friends, meeting professors, competing against one another, and worshiping with DBU Chapel Worship, the students gathered in the Pilgrim Chapel to participate in one of DBU’s longest-standing traditions: the candle lighting service. The DBU experience is book-ended with this hallowed custom, starting when students first arrive on the Hill and four years later on the night before graduation. To cap off SWAT week 2024, we offered a brand-new tradition called “Running Home.” Everyone gathered on the field at Horner Ballpark and ran around the bases all the way to home plate while their corps and small group leaders cheered them on. Another SWAT week is officially in the books, but the DBU journey has just begun. Student takes selfie with Dr. and Mrs. Adam C. Wright
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