Dean Brian Gallini said this year’s orientation was especially meaningful as it marked Quinnipiac President Marie Hardin’s first address to an incoming School of Law class, as she begins her tenure as the university’s 10th president.

“President Hardin’s leadership will help shape not only our law school, but the entirety of the university. It really is a special honor to begin your law school journey alongside a leader whose vision will help define Quinnipiac’s future,” Gallini said.

President Hardin asked the 136 members of the class to take in the moment.

“This is it. This is a moment that you’ve been working toward. It was one that you pictured when you hit submit on your application, when you were notified of your acceptance, and when you told the people who matter most to you, ‘I’m going to law school,’” Hardin said. “You are now beginning your work to become someone the world will rely on. Today is your entry point into a rigorous but rewarding profession. It’s one that asks a lot of you but also gives even more.”

Hardin encouraged the class to take advantage of Quinnipiac School of Law’s dedicated effort to educate the whole lawyer.

“We give you the space and encouragement to really think about your values, to hone your instincts, and to sharpen and hone your voice. You’re going to learn about the law, but you’re also going to learn how to listen when it’s hard, how to speak when it matters, how to stand your ground, and how to shift it. Your command of the law will be a superpower, but so will your humanity,” said Hardin.

As an alumna of Quinnipiac School of Law, Associate Dean of Students Kathy Kuhar shared that she felt both excited and nervous at her 1L orientation.

“Law school is a transformative experience. It will challenge and push you in ways to grow that you may not imagine,” Kuhar said. “But remember, you’re not alone, and don’t forget why you are here. You are now part of a community that is here to support you. We are committed to your success not just in the classroom but in your personal and professional development.”

Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Joan Metzler said the opening day of orientation is without doubt her favorite day of the year.

“It’s the moment when all of your hard work, planning and perseverance come together, not just in your acceptance to Quinnipiac Law, but in your arrival here on campus, as well as becoming full members of our community. This moment marks a significant milestone, and I hope you take a moment or two today or tomorrow to take it all in. It’s also the start of something even bigger – a brand new, exciting chapter in your life,” said Metzler.

Getting to know the class through applications, personal statements and many conversations, Metzler said its members should feel incredibly proud. She noted this year’s law school applications rose nationally by 22%, and rose by 27% in New England, while Quinnipiac School of Law experienced a remarkable 37% increase in applications. Quinnipiac received applications from 32 countries and 49 states.

“This is one of the most competitive admissions cycles we have seen in a long time -- we have not seen this level of applications at Quinnipiac School of Law in 12 years,” said Metzler. “You all stood out in that incredibly strong pool. Your admission is a true accomplishment.”

Quinnipiac School of Law Student Bar Association President Shianne Taylor, JD ’26, welcomed the class to their law school experience and offered the support of the school’s student body government.

“We are here to ensure your time at Quinnipiac Law is not only rewarding but also filled with opportunities for personal growth and professional development,” said Taylor.

Taylor encouraged the class to focus on its exciting first day as members of the Quinnipiac School of Law community.

“You’re officially in law school. You have survived the LSAT and applications, and you will not only survive law school but succeed,” Taylor said.

First-year law student Lindsey Wood of Indianapolis, Indiana said she’s looking forward to her Quinnipiac School of Law experience.

“I went to a university for undergrad that had very big classes and huge lectures, so Quinnipiac’s smaller class size is attractive to me. The faculty is so nice and personable, and I really like the idea that they will get to know me,” said Wood.

New 1L student and Grand Forks, North Dakota native Lauren Eickman said she chose to attend Quinnipiac School of Law for many reasons.

“I’ve always wanted to go to the New England area and East Coast, and coming from a very rural area, I wanted to be in a place where I would feel more connected to people,” Eickman said. “I came to the Admitted Students Day, and I think my mom and I were the last people in the building, because we kept talking to all the professors and future peers of mine and the 1L student leaders. Everyone wanted to know my story and what made me unique, and I liked that. Coming from a small undergraduate campus, it felt like the perfect transition.”

To aid the class in its transition to Quinnipiac’s law school community, two days of orientation offered building tours, informative panel sessions, a student organization fair, and time to gather during meals and campus visits including a trip to the York Hill Campus. On August 16, the Honorable Sarah Russell, United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut, administered the Professional Oath to the class. Before joining the bench in 2024, Judge Russell was Quinnipiac School of Law’s Legal Clinic Director and a professor of law.

School of Law 2L students served as Orientation Leaders and 3L students volunteered as Peer Mentors to help welcome 1Ls and share their own experiences as members of the Quinnipiac School of Law community.

“It’s truly a family,” said peer mentor, Robert Schroeder, ’23, JD ’26. “It’s a place where professors, your peers, and administration want to see you succeed. It’s a multifaceted approach to building the whole lawyer. You’re building connections here that you’re going to use for the entirety of your professional career.”

Orientation leader Kassidy Planas, JD ‘27, said the support and community she’s experiencing at Quinnipiac School of Law has made an impact that will carry over into her law career.

“I’m a first-generation student, so this is very new to me, and I think the greatest thing about this school is that they care a lot about every student. If there’s something you’re interested in, they want to help make it accessible and available,” said Planas. “All of my first-year faculty advisors and professors were always open to sit down, have a conversation and hear about my passions; and the Career Development Office is always sending me things I might be interested in. Just knowing what students care about, making sure they have those resources and having that conversation is really impactful.”

Recent Quinnipiac University graduate Joseph Salafia ’25 is excited to continue his Quinnipiac experience as a new School of Law Juris Doctor candidate. Salafia hails from Cromwell, Connecticut.

“I went to Quinnipiac for my undergrad, and I fell in love with the school and the people. It feels like home,” said Salafia. “The people and the faculty here at the School of Law are awesome.”

Jackson Norcross, a Cheshire, Connecticut resident, said his visit to the School of Law and interactions with faculty helped make his decision to study here.

“When I was visiting law schools, the faculty at Quinnipiac seemed really open and willing to reach out to help anyone. That was a priority for me – top of the list,” said Norcross. “The School of Law building is beautiful, and it really seems like the peer mentors I’ve talked to love it so much. I’m very eager to see what the year brings.”

In Focus