Corban University students excited on their first day

Corban University students excited on their first day

Many are attracted to the school's small size

Students move in the hallway during the first day of classes at Corban University on Sept. 1.
Timothy J. Gonzalez | Statesman Journal

Written by
Dee Moore
Statesman Journal

Incoming freshmen at Corban University on Sept. 1 were like any teens attending their first day of college: caught in a whirlwind of excitement, anxiety, trepidation and even fear.

Michael Wurtz, 18, of Cascade, Idaho, said he enrolled at Corban on a recommendation and because it is a small university.

"I am anxious to get class started," Wurtz said Sept. 1, the first day of classes at the small Christian college. He is trying to make the adjustment to college life from living in a small town such as Cascade. "I miss (my parents)," he said. "I'm a little scared to be on my own."

The appeal of Corban's intimate size was a recurring theme among most of the incoming freshmen, who had attended small public or private high schools.

Anthony Steeoe, 18, of Portland graduated from a small private Christian school. He received a soccer scholarship and is playing forward for the Corban team.

"It is a big change for me," he said of Corban. "I had a graduating class of 12. This is a lot bigger than anything I've ever been in. It's a huge day."

It got off to a rough start, though.

"I actually missed my first class," he said. He read his class schedule incorrectly and arrived at class as it was being dismissed.

The university has approximately 1,100 students this term, officials with the registrar's office said.

Kyle Croft, 18, had his first class at 6:30 a.m. He hopes to work in ministry as a physical therapist helping children. He called his goal a "practical use" for mission work where children are in need of medical care.

Austen Wilks, 18, of Oregon City admits that she has some preliminary work to do.

"I have to learn how to take notes," she said.

Sami Greif, 18, described herself as "ecstatic" about starting her first day of school. She said it while cradling a cup of coffee in the dining room before her first class.

Katelyn Sheehan, 17, of Jackson, Calif., said she's ready to stretch her wings at Corban.

"I like that it's Christ-centered. I like how small it is. (And) how far it is away from home," she said with a smile.

Erin Turner, 18 of Albany also was thrilled about her first day. Both of her parents attended Corban, so she already was familiar with the school.

"I came here to visit and I really liked it," she said. "I like the small size and faith-based atmosphere. Everyone is very nice."

Copyright Statesman-Journal 2010
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100908/COMMUNITIES/108160011