On June 12 and June 13, the Recreation and Wellness Center and the Quad on the Mount Carmel Campus hummed with information sessions, creative icebreakers and friendly gatherings during Quinnipiac’s second orientation session for the centennial Class of 2029.

New students spent two days and one night on campus to help prepare them for a smooth start to their college journey and new classes in the fall. Games, gatherings, and special sessions helped to familiarize them with one another and with the many opportunities to get involved beyond their Quinnipiac educational experience.

As one of the student coordinators leading Quinnipiac’s 50 student orientation leaders, Grace Pfalzgraf ’26, said she and her fellow Bobcats are excited to make each new student orientation experience exceptional and memorable. Orientation leaders familiarize new students with the campus and help them to experience Quinnipiac’s welcoming culture and time-honored traditions, from the Quinnipiac Creed to learning how to give their first Bobcat Roar.

“The students can expect the best stuff ever. We do a lot to make sure that all of our orientation leaders are ready for all of the students with everything they have to offer,” said Pfalzgraf.  “They’re going to be met with a lot of excitement. It’s a fun, welcoming staff that’s going to make everyone feel comfortable at school.”

Four short years ago, Pfalzgraf was a brand-new Bobcat arriving from Glastonbury, Connecticut for orientation. She said she bonded with some friends who went on to become orientation leaders with her the following year and made other great connections, too.

“During course registration at orientation, I met with a few of my professors that I ended up having that fall semester, so it was really great to build connections with them before even getting to school,” said Pfalzgraf. “I also got a lot of friends. I stayed in contact with a lot of people that weren’t even in my group. It was just a really meaningful experience, because I was so nervous to come to college, and I had the best orientation leaders that really put a lot of things into perspective. They made things really easy for me and put me at peace.”

Cecilia LaSpina ’29, said she hoped to leverage her orientation experience so she’ll be better informed about her new academic home when she returns in the fall.

“I think it’s important to get to know the campus before you go, to know what the place is like and where a lot of things are, so it’s not a big surprise,” said LaSpina. “I’m also hoping I can make some great connections with some people.”

The Trumbull, Connecticut resident said she’s looking forward to majoring in Film, TV and Media Arts at Quinnipiac.

“I really like the film program here, and they have a lot of internship opportunities which were really appealing to me when applying,” said LaSpina.

Jack Kehoe ’29, said he came to Quinnipiac because of its great criminal justice program. As an added bonus, his mom, Lisa Kehoe, is a Bobcat alumnus. The Kehoes drove from their home in Albany, New York to attend orientation.

“I wanted to see how life’s going to be like, and what it’s going to be like in August when I come here. I’m probably going to try to find a roommate while I’m here,” said Kehoe. “I also like that Quinnipiac is not too big, and that everything’s in walking distance.”

“He actually chose Quinnipiac all on his own,” said Kehoe’s mom. “He decided to apply here and took it from there. I’m really excited for him. It looks a lot different than when I graduated in 1994, but I had a blast here, and I’m still friends with my roommates, 30 years later. We still get together, and we’ll be coming to torture him on Bobcat Weekend!”

Ellie Tuttle ’29, also came quite a distance to attend orientation from her home in New Hampshire.

“I came because I want to meet new people and to get used to the college,” said Tuttle, who plans to study biology. “I think these two days are going to be about meeting new people and having fun and getting to know everyone.”

She brought her dad, John Tuttle, who was looking forward to attending some of the family information programming offered on the first day of each orientation session.

As a new member of the Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey team, Matthew Lansing ’29, arrived from Buffalo, New York to attend orientation accompanied by his mom, Betsy Lansing, younger brother Brian, and their pup, Howie, a Portuguese Water Dog.

“It’s a nice program and the campus is beautiful. We’re very excited for him,” said Betsy Lansing.

At the Opening Ceremony, students and family were greeted by Hannah Cranston, senior director for campus life; received insightful advice from Monique Drucker, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, and learned about Quinnipiac’s holistic career advising approach and resources from Terri Johnson, associate vice president for student personal and professional development.

As the new students met their orientation leaders and headed off with their orientation groups, Quinnipiac Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett kicked off the day’s family programming. Ellett’s informative talk spoke to several important foundational elements supported at Quinnipiac which help to foster growth and independence in college students.

“We are so glad to have you here,” said Ellett. “You have greatly influenced your student, and now, we accept the opportunity to partner with you, to assist your students as they spread their wings of independence on the Quinnipiac campus.” 

In Focus