Epephanie LaBoy, a member of the Class of 2027, said she chose Union in part because "“I knew it was a place where I’d be comfortable.”
As a high school student at Kingswood Oxford in Connecticut, Epephanie LaBoy heard very good things about Union during her college search.
She learned about its outstanding academic reputation and the beautiful campus that “always shined bright with its open, diverse and welcoming community.”
She was particularly impressed with the relationship faculty and staff have with students, and how “they are people who want you succeed and be able to make it in your profession.”
It didn’t take long for LaBoy, who goes by "Piff," to make up her mind about choosing Union.
“I knew it was a place where I’d be comfortable,” said the Hartford, Conn., resident, who plans to pursue a pre-med track, majoring in English with a minor in fine arts.
“I look forward to the community and the conversation that come with being a student at Union.”
LaBoy is among the 560 first-year students beginning their college journey as members of the Class of 2027. They were selected from a record of nearly 9,500 applicants.
The Class of 2027 includes:
- 16% first-generation students
- 25.7% domestic students of color
- 12.3% international students from 22 countries, including Bulgaria, France, Russia and Switzerland
In addition, 59% ranked in top 10 percent of their high school class, and 34 states and Puerto Rico are represented.
“In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, the range of interests and experiences of this incoming group is notable,” said Matt Malatesta ’91, vice president for Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment. “While some of this can be measured statistically, with nearly a third of the class living outside the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, it is each and every individual's unique personality, skills and abilities that will continue to move Union forward.”
First-year students can officially move in Sunday, Sept. 3. Many are participating in a pre-orientation experience. In addition to the three traditional experiences that focus on community engagement, leadership development and the outdoors, the program has expanded to offer local arts and culture, and wellness options.
“We are excited to welcome the first incoming class of Garnet Chargers,” said Aileen Schatz, director of the First-Year Experience. The College announced this month that after an extensive process, it had selected Garnet Chargers as its new nickname. All incoming students will don T-shirts with the moniker for the traditional class photo taken in the Nott Memorial.
“We have more than 230 students participating in our pre-orientation experiences this year,” Schatz noted. “We have over 100 student volunteers eager to welcome them.”
While the newest students spend a few days settling in, returning students move in Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Opening Convocation, in which the Union community celebrates the official start of the academic year, will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, in Memorial Chapel. An all-campus barbeque will follow on Roger Hull Plaza.
Also at Convocation, Timothy Stablein, associate professor of sociology, will be presented with the Stillman Prize for Faculty Excellence in Teaching. Donald Rodbell, the John and Jane Wold Professor of Geosciences, will be presented with the Stillman Prize for Faculty Excellence in Research.
Fall term classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 6.