Joined by her husband, Jerry Kammer, and their dog Tator, together with university leaders, student orientation leaders and student government representatives, Hardin welcomed the huge crowd of first-year students and incoming transfer students filling the new South Quad outdoor common area.

The expansive quad and its sustainable plantings are surrounded by the university’s newest academic facilities, The SITE, an interdisciplinary building, and the new School of Business. Both buildings begin operating with the start of the fall 2025 semester.

As she begins her tenure, Hardin said it was a special honor to be a part of Quinnipiac’s Centennial Class of 2029.

“You graduate the same year that Quinnipiac celebrates its 100th anniversary since our founding in 1929,” said Hardin. “We are, together, part of a Class of 2029. We’re all part of the first-year class starting this journey together, and that’s exciting for me. You might be feeling the same rollercoaster of emotions that I’m feeling. Even if you’re not totally sure what all the details look like, you’re here, and we know that you’re ready. You belong here. You chose us. We chose you.”

In the coming semester, members of the class will encounter new ideas and experiences which may make them feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and possibly out of place. Borrowing from television’s “Ted Lasso,” Hardin advised the Class of 2029 to be curious, not judgmental.

“When you hear an idea that seems foreign or strange to you, or challenges certain assumptions that you have, I want you to be curious, not judgmental,” said Hardin. 
For many students, there may also be times when they have feelings of loneliness, stress and being challenged. At those times, Hardin advised the students to “do good,” so that they will feel good.

“It might be reaching out for help from somebody; it might be talking to your resident advisor, it might be reaching out to your professor; but I want you to take action, and then you’re going to feel better,” Hardin said. “If you’re in your dorm room, think about going to that event – you’ll feel good that you did it. Are you considering a club that you’re not sure about? Give it a try. You might find that you feel really great, you meet new friends, and you enjoy the experience.”

Hardin also introduced the Class of 2029 to Quinnipiac’s Student Government Association (SGA) president Zachary O'Connell ’26, MBA ’27.

“Zach and the others on his team are great role models for you because they can remind you that you’re never alone here. Whatever experience you’re going through, others have gone through that experience ahead of you and they can offer advice, friendship and mentorship and they can cheer you on,” said Hardin.

O'Connell congratulated the Class of 2029 and recalled sitting in the crowd during his class welcome as a first-year student.

“For me the experience was surreal, listening to the administration and the student government president welcoming me to a whole new place of opportunities,” said O’Connell. “Cherish every moment, starting right now. Because graduation may seem far away, but boy does it go by fast.”

While the adjustment to college life may seem daunting at first, at Quinnipiac, the opportunities are endless, O’Connell said. During its time at Quinnipiac, the Class of 2029 will discover more about themselves, find new passions and meet new friends.

“Your college experience can lead you to so many possibilities. When I first came to Quinnipiac, I was in awe of not only how much there is to be involved in, but also how supportive your peers can be in helping you reach your various potentials,” O’Connell said.

O’Connell is pursuing a BS in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration as an accelerated dual-degree BS/MBA (3+1) student. He said that during his first year at Quinnipiac, he stuck to STEM-based interests because of his high school routine of excelling in math and his love of hands-on engineering classes.

“Coming to Quinnipiac as an engineering student, if you had told me I would be the student government president, giving a speech to the incoming class, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said O’Connell.  “Quinnipiac opened my eyes to be in places I never dreamed of being, and looking back on this, I really wish I had broadened my horizons from the very beginning. So my challenge to all of you this year is try out as much as you can from the start, and don’t let yourself be afraid to try new things that may be different than what you’re used to."

O’Connell also encouraged the Class of 2029 to contribute to making Quinnipiac a better school and a more welcoming place for all Bobcats by investing their passions in the community and getting involved.

“Whatever you choose to do, it starts today. Not when classes begin, but right now,” O’Connell said. “For some, this may even be the first time you advocate for your own interests. Don’t be afraid to speak up and use your passions to get involved.”

As these first-year students make Quinnipiac their home, Hardin reminded the Class of 2029 the entire university community believes in their ability to succeed and thrive.
“We believe in you,” Hardin said. “You’ve earned this. We’re excited for you. Welcome to the Bobcat family. Welcome home.”  

In Focus