With the assistance of university leadership and guidance of 50 student orientation leaders, a total of six two-day orientation sessions will help prepare first-year undergraduates as they begin their unique Quinnipiac journey.

“Orientation is so important as it sets the foundation for their learning engagement with others and comfortability with the campus. As we begin this process, we’re so excited to have our entering students for the Class of 2029,” said Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett.

First-year students checked in at the Recreation and Wellness Center and circulated through a Resource Fair with family members to speak with representatives of clubs and programs.

Taylor Huchro, ’29, who came to campus from her hometown in New York’s Hudson Valley, said she found a lot of new interests at the Resource Fair.

“I was really interested in all of the various extracurricular activities,” said Huchro, who is planning to major in marketing.

“The reason I chose Quinnipiac is because it really had a great program and a lot of different minors and majors that I was interested in,” Huchro said. “I don’t know anybody here today, but I’m hoping to meet some new people, potentially find a roommate, and just to have a good time.”

In the Burt Kahn Court, Senior Director for Campus Life Hannah Cranston welcomed families and students to the orientation’s Opening Ceremony.

“The purpose of orientation is to provide the tools, connections and support which make up the ingredients for a successful transition to college life,” Cranston said. “By being here and participating in this program, students will learn how to thrive academically, access resources that support their growth, and take on the responsibilities and values that comes with being a member of our community. You will also begin to actively engage in opportunities that promote inclusive excellence and foster connections.”

Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Monique Drucker said it was a great day to be a Bobcat.

“In the blink of an eye, you’ve gone from the Class of 2025 to the Class of 2029,” Drucker said. “You are here because you are bright, talented, and full of potential. You bring your unique perspectives and experiences. We know you had options, and we’re thrilled that you chose us. Quinnipiac is built on strong shared values, and we are a community that places you, your well-being, your growth, your experience at the center of everything we do.”

Terri Johnson, associate vice president for student personal and professional development, discussed Quinnipiac’s holistic career advising approach and the university’s “iQ” model.

“Students are the ‘i,’ the individual. The ‘Q’ is all the resources and supports we offer during your time here,” said Johnson. “It’s meaningful for you that you’re discovering who you want to be, and we’re here to help you to try new things to support that, and to support your trajectory.”

Before families and students parted ways for the rest of the program, Cranston introduced Quinnipiac’s 2025 student orientation leaders and their leadership team.

“These orientation leaders are among the university’s finest students. They come from diverse academic majors, student organizations, athletic teams and backgrounds. I have no doubt you will fall a little more in love with Quinnipiac because of their passion,” said Cranston.

Jonah Martin, ’29, a new Bobcat from Yonkers, New York, said he felt comfortable saying goodbye to his mom and joining his new orientation group to explore the campus.

“I’ve always been a pretty independent kid. I’m excited to see what happens at orientation,” said Martin.

Martin said he chose Quinnipiac for the opportunity to join its dual-degree BS in Mechanical Engineering / MBA program.

Likewise, Mckenzie Richards, ’29, of Milford, Connecticut, said she is looking forward to starting her dual-degree program at Quinnipiac. Richards plans to earn a BS in Biochemistry and MS in Molecular and Cell Biology.

Alex Sabin, ’29, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, said Quinnipiac’s cutting-edge School of Communications clinched his decision to become a Bobcat.

“I want to major in Sports Broadcasting, and I want to possibly broadcast for a major network. I just really liked the school, I like the environment, and I think I’m going to have a good time here,” said Sabin.

Sabin said he felt orientation was a good way to get ready to live and study at Quinnipiac, but it was not his first extended experience on campus.

“I did a Sports Broadcasting camp last summer, so I know some of the people that attended there and came over this year. I’m here at orientation because I just want to see what the university is all about,” he said.

Strolling the Quad, Madi Galvin, ’29, said she had already met a birthday twin in her orientation group and was starting to feel at home.

“I just love it here. It’s a very welcoming breath of fresh air,” said Galvin, a Wolcott, Connecticut resident. “One of the reasons I chose Quinnipiac is because it was the most beautiful and welcoming campus among all the other ones I explored. I felt the safest here.”

Galvin said she plans to study business and earn her BA in political science, then go on to law school.

In addition to experiencing campus life, getting to know new friends, and learning everything there is to know about becoming a Bobcat, orientation builds in fun resource and information sessions as well as time set aside for academic meetings and course registration. The Class of 2029 also gathered for meals and entertainment in the Carl Hansen Student Center and slept in dorm rooms during their overnight stay.

At the Closing Ceremony, the new undergraduates learned the significance of the Quinnipiac Creed, shouted their first Bobcat Roar together, picked up Game Day gold tees and gathered for a group photo.

“Class of 2029, your journey at Quinnipiac has just begun,” Cranston said. “I can assure you that the opportunities for growth, success and good times are ahead.”

In Focus