They come from 31 states and the District of Columbia. Representing 17 countries, nearly 30 percent are international or from underrepresented backgrounds. They were among the brightest students at their high schools, with 70 percent ranked in the top 10 percent of their class.
They are the 571 first-year students (selected from nearly 6,000 applications, a record) who make up the Class of 2019, and after a summer of anticipation, they will officially begin their Union experience Sunday, Sept. 6.
At 9 a.m., students will begin moving into their residence halls. At 3 p.m., following a series of activities and routine tasks, such as getting ID cards, the students and their families will receive an official welcome from President Stephen C. Ainlay and other College leaders in Memorial Chapel.
At 3:45 p.m., the students will say goodbye to their families before heading off to group orientation activities. There are two events for parents: a tea in Schaffer Library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and a reception hosted by Alumni Relations at 3:45 p.m. at Abbe Hall.
At 6:30 p.m., the students pose for a class picture at the Nott Memorial. Michael Kimmel, author of Guyland (this year's summer reading for incoming students), speaks at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Chapel.
Orientation activities continue on Monday with a full slate of programs.
Residence halls open for returning students Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Fall term classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Opening Convocation, in which the Union community celebrates the official start of the academic year, is set for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 in Memorial Chapel, followed by an all-campus barbecue on Rugby Field.