The heat was intense, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the excitement Saturday as hundreds of new and returning students arrived at Arkansas State University for move-in day.

With temperatures reaching around 100 degrees, families packed vehicles with clothes, bedding, furniture and the other necessities of college life before making their way to campus. For many, it was an emotional milestone — the beginning of a new chapter for students and, in some cases, the first time parents would see their children settle into college life.

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And students weren’t doing it alone.

Volunteers from area churches and other organizations were on hand across campus to help carry boxes, bags and belongings into residence halls and apartments, making a difficult job a little easier under the sweltering August sun.

For parents, the day brought a mixture of pride, excitement and the realization that their children were beginning to build lives of their own.

Chris Davis shared the excitement of watching his younger cousin, Kywanne, move into Arkansas State. Davis said he was especially proud that Kywanne is joining the Honors College.

“The future is definitely bright!” Davis wrote, encouraging his cousin to “go be great” and reminding him he was always only a phone call away.

Tracie Portillo was celebrating a similar milestone as her daughter, Savannah, moved into her dorm. Portillo called it a “very hot 100 degree move in day,” but said Savannah and her roommate were already out exploring and meeting new people.

Savannah is also a member of the Arkansas State women’s bowling team and received an invitation to the National Society of Leadership and Success at A-State.

For Damon Pearrow, move-in day meant saying goodbye to seeing his daughter Ava every day.

Pearrow said everyone involved in the move-in process was “wonderful” and made the day easier, despite the heat.

“I sure will miss seeing my sweet Ava everyday but I’m so excited for the experiences that she will have and the friends she will make along the way,” he wrote.

The return to campus wasn’t limited to students and families.

The Sound of the Natural State Pep Band brought plenty of energy to the day, performing outside Kroger during the hottest part of the afternoon as students and families made their way onto campus.

KAIT-TV anchor Diana Davis said in a post that the heat was so intense that her phone overheated and shut down while she was recording the band. Dr. Allegra Fisher continued the video, according to Davis.

Despite the conditions, the band continued performing, helping create the kind of atmosphere that signals the start of a new school year — and the approach of another football and marching season.

Move-in day also marked the beginning of Wolves Up Week, A-State’s series of activities designed to welcome students and build community as the fall semester gets underway.

Wolves Up Week runs Aug. 15-20 and includes events such as Party with the Pack, Light Up the Lawn, Sunset Social, Splash Bash and Silent Disco.

The university encouraged new and returning students to take part in the events and connect with their fellow Red Wolves.

Classes at Arkansas State begin Wednesday.

For students arriving on campus this weekend, the first day of class is still ahead. But Saturday’s move-in day offered a preview of what the next chapter will bring — new rooms, new friends, new experiences and, for families across Northeast Arkansas, a whole lot of Red Wolf pride.

Even at 100 degrees, it was clear: Wolves Up.

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