The Boro and Bulloch County are welcoming college students back to Statesboro, including the largest-ever freshman class at Georgia Southern University. If you've been to a grocery store or local restaurant recently, you've probably noticed the increased activity. Now is the perfect time to roll out the welcome mat and help give these students and their families a great first impression.
Many of us know the excitement and sheer terror of sending a child off to college for the first time. No matter if they're moving across town or across the state, it's a difficult time for parents.
At Grice Connect in downtown Statesboro, we're doing everything we can to welcome them. We have our Georgia Southern flags flying and "Welcome Back" signs on display. Our team is also distributing "Welcome Back" signs to local businesses who support our work. We invite you to join us in welcoming our students in any way you can. Whether it's a message on a marquee or simply putting out a sign, small gestures can make a big difference.
Join Team GC and Volunteer for Operation Move In
Operation Move-In will take place on Friday, August 8, and we’re calling on local churches, civic groups, nonprofits, and service organizations to help us greet and assist thousands of students and their families as they move into the residence halls on the Statesboro Campus.
This long-standing Georgia Southern tradition brings together faculty, staff, students—and generous volunteers from the local community—to create a warm, supportive, and memorable welcome for nearly 4,000 new Eagles.
Operation Move-In is a great opportunity for the community to help GS welcome the students and parents create a great first impression of our community.
The entire Grice Connect team will be volunteering and working throughout the week and weekend to welcome students and their families to Statesboro.
Community volunteers, Georgia DOT, City of Statesboro, Bulloch County, civic groups, and local businesses have been working the last few weeks to get grass cut, pick up trash, and clean up Statesboro as we put out the welcome mat.
How to Sign Up:
- Visit our online volunteer sign-up form
- Want your group or organization to serve together? Have everyone sign up online, then email a list of names to [email protected], and we’ll do our best to keep your group on the same shift
- Deadline to sign up is Tuesday, August 5
Whether you’re a church group, civic club, or service organization, this is a meaningful way to support students and families, show what makes Statesboro TRUE BLUE, and help our newest Eagles Soar Beyond. Team GC will see you there!
For more information, contact University Housing at 912-478-5406 or [email protected].
Random Acts of Kindness Needed
If you can't volunteer to help in some way, everyone can perform a small random act of kindness this week and weekend.
If you have ever sent a child away to college, you completely understand how emotional this weekend will be for parents and students.
Many of them are leaving home for the first time. Choosing Statesboro was a big decision for them. A simple act of generosity, may be just the sign they need to reassure them that they have chosen wisely.
Traffic Increased, Restaurants and Grocery Stores Busy
Expect traffic to continue to pick up over the week and into the weekend. Grocery stores will be busy keeping up with inventory, and restaurants will be packed. Locals should plan accordingly.
When classes start on Wednesday, August 13, Georgia Southern will be welcoming their largest-ever freshman class. Based on the number of U-Haul trucks and increased traffic, many have already returned. On Friday, August 8, GS will officially welcome a large freshman class to the dorms with Operation Move-In. For many of the students and their parents, this will be their first opportunity to experience Statesboro.
Community volunteers, the Georgia DOT, the City of Statesboro, Bulloch County, civic groups, and local businesses have been working over the last few weeks to prepare our community for their return.
Over $1.145 Billion Economic Impact
While locals may experience some challenges and inconveniences this week, we should remember the huge economic impact all students bring to Statesboro and Bulloch County.
According to the latest economic impact study released by the University System of Georgia, Georgia Southern's economic impact for Statesboro, Savannah, and our region exceeded $1.145 Billion for the 2023 fiscal year. They employ more than 3,265 on their three campuses and impact another 6,550 off-campus jobs and serve over 27,000 students.
We have much to be grateful for in the Boro. University students definitely TOP that list.
