Since the beginning of June, Quinnipiac administrators, faculty, staff and 50 student orientation leaders have helped to prepare incoming first-year students – and their parents – for a smooth transition to college life. Six two-day orientation sessions helped the newest members of the Bobcat family gather resources and support, make connections among new friends, and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a part of the university family.

Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Monique Drucker said the Class of 2029 is bright, talented, and full of potential, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences.

“You’ll quickly see that our community is rooted in respect, inclusion and support,” Drucker told the Class of 2029 at orientation opening ceremony. “You belong here, and helping you feel that is part of our mission. You’re about to begin a journey that will stretch your thinking, test your independence and unlock new opportunities.”

Orientation leader Sophia Distefano ’28, and Eileen Nanartowicz ’28, said members of the Class of 2029 showed intellectual curiosity, independence and drive.

“They’re definitely very critical thinkers, and a lot of them are really independent and think for themselves. As Quinnipiac’s centennial class, I think they’re going to be show-stoppers,” said Distefano.

Nanartowicz said she was impressed by the ambition exhibited by the Class of 2029.

“I feel like they’re very driven. They’re all very ambitious and goal-oriented, which was really nice to see,” said Nanartowicz.

London Albino ’29, a Bronx, New York resident, said it’s her ambition to study psychology at Quinnipiac.

“I really gravitated toward this school because the community is very nice and welcoming, so I felt like I would fit right in. I came to orientation because I knew it would be an eye-opening experience for me before coming back in the fall,” said Albino.

Delaware resident D’Ahzha Ellis ’29, also plans to study psychology at Quinnipiac.

“I think orientation is a great way for me to start to get to know my way around and meet new people,” said Ellis, who stepped on the Mount Carmel Campus for the first time at orientation.

“I actually chose Quinnipiac because it felt like they wanted me,” Ellis said. “One of the first emails I got from a university was from Quinnipiac, and they just stayed in my mind the entire time that I was going through different applications.”

Dad, David Ellis said he felt his daughter would thrive at Quinnipiac.

“I think she’s well-equipped for it,” said Ellis.

New Bobcat Griffin Condon ’29, from Wilmington, Massachusetts, plans to study business at Quinnipiac. He said he’s looking forward to experiencing a cutting-edge education in the brand-new School of Business, part of Quinnipiac’s new South Quad.

“I chose Quinnipiac because it’s a good environment, a great school and has great sports – there’s just a lot of great things about it,” said Condon. “I’m also excited to be here because I was an athlete in high school, and I want to get involved with Quinnipiac’s sports clubs and play club golf.”

Associate Director of Recreation John Somers said orientation’s Club Sports table is always one of the busiest information exchange points for incoming students and parents.

“Club sports are a great way for students keep playing the sports they loved in high school, in a competitive manner. One of the most exciting things at orientation is not only when we see students who are excited to find out they can keep playing, but also to see the parents’ faces when they realize they didn’t see their son or daughters’ last-ever game. They can watch them play at Quinnipiac for the next four years,” said Somers.

Whether students decide to join club sports, cheer on club sports teams, try their hand at intramurals, come out to open skate at the M&T Bank Arena, or just get into the many different fitness activities and gym offerings at Quinnipiac’s state-of-the-art Recreation and Wellness Center, it’s a great way to get involved in being a Bobcat, said Somers.

“It’s really nice for us to see all that involvement, and they definitely get a lot of benefit from it,” Somers said.

Drucker also advised the Class of 2029 to get involved.

“Whether that’s a student organization, athletics, Greek life, service, research, studying abroad; the beauty of the college experience is that it’s yours to shape,” said Drucker. 

In Focus