By Stella Dolan
Published 4:04 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2024
Bemidji State University's 2024 official move-in day marked an important milestone. Since the pandemic, enrollment at universities across the nation has plummeted. This year, BSU welcomed its largest incoming freshman class since 2017 to campus.
The move-in event, which began early in the morning, buzzed with excitement as students and their families navigated the emotions beginning a new chapter.
Among the volunteers were many of BSU's student-athletes, who helped incoming students carry heavy loads up and down the residence hall stairs. As one can imagine, many sweating faces filled the staircases of Tamarack Hall. This tradition of support reflects BSU's strong sense of community and highlights the connections alumni maintain with their alma mater.
For Randy and Darcy Qual, Bemidji State is more than just a place where they earned their degrees; it's where their love story continued. The couple met in high school in Mahnomen, Minnesota, and continued their journey together at BSU, where Randy graduated in 1998 after playing football for the Beavers, and Darcy graduated in 1999.
A trip down memory lane
Now, they find themselves back on campus, but this time to drop off their daughter, an incoming freshman. As Randy reflected on his return, he shared, "I've always enjoyed coming back to campus.
It's been exciting to come for different games, but I'm more excited to drop off my daughter." For the Quals, this move-in day was not just a trip down memory lane, but a chance to witness the next generation of their family embrace what it means to be a Bemidji State Beaver.
As they explored the campus with their daughter, Darcy couldn't help but reminisce, texting her college roommate to share that she was back in Tamarack Hall, where they had lived 30 years ago. Darcy and her roommate lived on the 7th floor, while her daughter is currently residing on the 4th floor.
Bridging generations to embrace the BSU experience
Darcy echoed her husband, expressing her love for BSU's welcoming community. "It’s so inviting, you know a lot of people because it’s a smaller campus. We love the lake and all that stuff. It’s just a good environment," she said.
Though much has changed in Bemidji since their college days, the Quals found comfort in the familiar sights and the spirit of the university.
Randy was comparing the differences between his move-in experience as a fall athlete and what he witnessed this year. "It’s crazy to see all these fun and excited families. It’s a little more hectic than it was when there were only 7-8 football players moving in," he said with a laugh. Yet, amidst the craziness, the couple found joy in reconnecting with old friends. "It's funny because I’m dropping off my daughter, and some of our college friends have kids here too. A friend I played football with, his son is going to be here playing football as well. It’s a fast forward of 30 years," Randy shared.
This year's move-in day at BSU not only marked the beginning of a new chapter for the incoming freshman class but also highlighted the importance of alumni returning to campus.
For families like the Quals, it’s a full-circle moment, where memories of the past blend with the hopes for the future. Their story is a testament to the lasting impact of a BSU education and the lifelong relationships forged within its’ halls.
As the Quals and other alumni return to Bemidji, they continue to enrich the university community, helping to shape the experiences of the next generation of Beavers.
