"It's a little crazy!" Marquette University freshmen are movin' in

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Wednesday was a busy day near Marquette University's campus as nearly 2,000 students moved in!

But on the day of new beginnings, many kept a former graduate in their thoughts -- journalist James Foley, whose execution by an Islamic extremist group was released just 24 hours prior.

More than 700 incoming freshmen moved into McCormick Hall alone. It was a busy place to be from early on, but school officials and staff seemed to have it down to a science as students from all over the country checked in, got their keys and dorm assignments, and were able to move in.

“It’s been pretty smooth. The waits are pretty bad but I mean its ok. It’s very hot,” said Kristen Stanis, an incoming freshman coming from New York.

“It`s a little crazy but I think they do a really good job with the organization. It`s not too hard, so I think they are doing a really good job and I can't wait to settle in with my roommate and stuff,” said Paulina Dabrowksa, an incoming freshman coming from Des Plaines.

“I think now I`m more excited that I`m here and I see everyone,” said Eileen Kennedy, incoming freshman from Chicago.

There was a lot of excitement on Marquette`s campus, but also on a lot of people`s minds, is former graduate James Foley. Less than 24 hours earlier, video of the former graduate and journalist being beheaded by an Islamic extremist group was released. Even though Foley attended the University years ago, he graduated in 1996, many of the staff members as well as incoming freshmen and their families had heard of him, and thought of him as they moved in on Wednesday.

“It’s weird because he did go here and it`s so close to home here,” said Kennedy, “it’s crazy and I think everyone will hear about it since it’s such a tight-knit community and I think everyone will kind of be thinking of him and his family.”

“That is awful. I am sure it’s on everyone’s mind. We heard it on the news last night and then we found out he was from Marquette and it grabs you even more,” said Maureen Heffernan from New York, who was moving her daughter into the dorms.

“The whole thing is just really sad. It’s just so unnecessary but it sounds like he was doing what he loved to do and trying to help people,” said parent Jim Kennedy.

“Just like James came here in the 90s to learn about the world and take that out and to make a difference is really what we hope all the students here at Marquette and those moving in today take away with their 4 years of education,” said Andy Brodzeller, University Spokesperson.

For some students, like Stanis, seeing how her school is handling it, and honoring Foley's memory, is just further confirmation that she made the right choice.

“I think that`s very heartwarming. I like to know that I`m going to a school that`s a part of that, where if anything were to happen or anything like that I would feel connected as well,” said Stanis.

A University spokesperson says they continue to talk as a university and find ways to remember James Foley and reflect on what he did in life.