Guided by energetic orientation leaders and assisted by knowledgeable faculty and staff, first-year students are discovering exciting new interests, forging new friendships, setting up their first semester schedule and learning what it means to be Bobcat in Quinnipiac’s inclusive, caring family.

Brianna Penterson ’29 from Whitinsville, Massachusetts, is just beginning her Quinnipiac journey as a new member of the six-year, entry-level, dual-degree program in Occupational Therapy (BS/OTD). She said meeting her fellow Bobcats was one of the main reasons she signed up to join orientation on June 23 and June 24.

“I chose Quinnipiac because it has a really good program for occupational therapy for the six-year doctorate and I’m really excited about it. But I don’t really know anyone, so I’m here to meet new people,” said Penterson.

Mom Julie Penterson said she felt Quinnipiac’s orientation process helps students develop comfort and confidence that will make a difference when school begins in August.

“I want her to be comfortable and to feel part of the community, and I think that starts here with orientation,” Penterson said.

Ryan Deegan ’29 said he was excited to begin making connections and to be on his way to becoming a Bobcat. Deegan, who plans to study biology, is following in the university footsteps of his older brother, a Quinnipiac alumnus. Deegan arrived for orientation from his hometown on Long Island, New York.

“I think it’s important to be here, just to immerse myself in what it is to be a Bobcat,” Deegan said.

Mom Gina Deegan said orientation was important to her because it will help her son to be better prepared for his start in the fall.

“This is helping him to become better acclimated,” she said. “Our older son went here and made friends here, but now it’s his turn to see it through his lens. As a family, we love everything about Quinnipiac — the community, the support, the classes, the academic support and encouragement. It’s just beautiful here, too.” 

Student orientation leaders Jessica Leidner ’28 and Laura Lima ’27 said there’s no doubt orientation boosts first-year students into the Bobcat family.

“It’s definitely an advantage for them to come to orientation because they’ll get to have that immediate connection with some peers around them,” said Leidner.

Lima is in her second year as a student orientation leader.

“They’re usually able to find someone who has the same major or some of the same interests and by the time they’re leaving, they’re so glad they got to meet them,” said Lima. “I have first years from orientation last year that still hang out with each other, to this day. It’s really nice to see that.”

Logan Wills ’29 arrived on campus on June 23 with his parents, Greg and Justine Wills, from their home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Justine Wills said she was looking forward to taking in the day’s family orientation programming while her son set off on his orientation experience with his student group.

“We want to get a feel of that comfort level for him; that he’s going to be in a place where he’s comfortable and happy for the next four years,” she said.

Logan Wills said he’s excited to be attending Quinnipiac, where he’ll study film, television and media arts at the School of Communications. Wills said he came to orientation to make connections with his fellow first-year students.

“I’m hoping to meet some new people, find some friends and maybe a roommate,” Wills said. “When I come back in the fall, I’m also looking forward to getting involved in every activity I can.”

Cara Moriarty ’29 traveled from Newtown, Pennsylvania, to attend orientation. She plans to study psychology with a minor in nutrition. Moriarty said she first connected with Quinnipiac at a college fair, followed by a great review from a friend who came for a campus visit.

“She knew I would love the outdoors and the campus, and she also said Quinnipiac is very academically focused with student support, and has a lot of school spirit,” Moriarty. “I don’t know anyone here, so I’m excited to meet people at orientation and to get a little more acquainted with the school.”

Moriarty said she’s interested in getting involved with club sports, possibly joining a sorority and studying abroad. She learned more about each interest at the orientation Resource Fair.

Information on Quinnipiac’s variety of study abroad programs tailored to many different majors was shared at the Resource Fair by Office of Global Engagement Operations Specialist Bridget-Ann Kingsbury.

“It’s broadening their horizons,” said Kingsbury. “Everyone who returns from these trips says they have had the experience of a lifetime.

The Resource Fair welcomes students and parents arriving to register for orientation in the Recreation and Wellness Center. It’s filled with information tables and representatives of Quinnipiac’s wealth of diverse student activities, interests and support programs.

From the Resource Fair, families and students moved to the Opening Ceremony in the Burt Kahn Court. The morning information session was hosted by Hannah Cranston, senior director for campus life, Monique Drucker, vice president of student affairs and dean of students and Terri Johnson, associate vice president for student personal and professional development.

As the students gathered with their groups and met their student orientation leaders for the first time, Quinnipiac Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett opened orientation’s family programming for parents. Ellett invited families to partner with the university to help their students succeed and grow independently. He emphasized that encouraging students to forge connections is crucial to assisting with their successful transition to college life. 

“Connections matter for learning, belonging and well-being, three critically important aspects of a student’s transition,” said Ellett. “If students don’t know that relationships will help them to succeed, they’re likely to not engage with their peers during things like orientation and first-year seminar or other high-impact experiences.”

In Focus