When Chase Nelson started his college search, Union was not on his radar. He first looked west to California, a long way from his home in a Philadelphia suburb.
But a college counselor suggested he take a look at Union, believing it would be a good fit for him. So, Nelson did some research, applied early action and was accepted.
Chase Nelson '28, right, said of his visit to Union: “I loved the campus, I loved walking around, and I enjoyed meeting with professors and students who could be my classmates. I felt very welcomed and at home.”
He visited campus in February and left feeling good about his experience.
“I just fell in love with the school,’ said Nelson. “I loved the campus, I loved walking around, and I enjoyed meeting with professors and students who could be my classmates. I felt very welcomed and at home.”
When he later received a handwritten note from the College encouraging him to join the Union community, he was sold.
“Opening it (a postcard featuring fireworks over the iconic Nott Memorial), was really cool,” said Nelson, who plans to study environmental engineering and geosciences. He hopes to become a research scientist. “I can’t wait to take in the whole college experience.”
Nelson is among the 511 students beginning their college journey as members of the Class of 2028. They were selected from nearly 8,500 applicants.
The Class of 2028 includes:
- 22 percent first-generation students
- 50 percent domestic students of color and international students from 28 countries, including Pakistan, Greece, Sweden and Belgium
- 33 states and Puerto Rico represented
- 52 percent men, 48 percent women
“We are excited to welcome these great students to Union,” said Matt Malatesta ’91, vice president for Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment. “The failed roll-out of the new FAFSA financial aid form nationwide caused more unrest and challenge to prospective students than ever before, so I am particularly pleased to see these students find their way to what I am confident will be a transformative experience for them ... and a place they will be connected to for the rest of their lives.”
For Anjalika Kumar, there was little doubt where she would attend college. She was 12 when her family dropped off her brother, Eeshan ’21, at campus from their home in Allen, Texas. She has been eagerly awaiting to begin her own journey at Union.
“As soon as we dropped him off, I knew I would love to go here,” said Kumar. “I love the inclusive and small-campus environment and seeing the impact it had on my brother.”
Anjalika Kumar '28 said she has been looking forward to attending Union since she was in the sixth grade.
Throughout high school, Kumar volunteered at a facility for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and another that provided medical care to individuals without health insurance. The transformative experiences sparked her interest in medicine. She plans an interdisciplinary major in biology and psychology in the Leadership in Medicine program.
“I’m excited to finally be a part of the Union community,” she said.
First-year students can officially move in Sunday, Sept. 1. Many are participating in a pre-orientation experience, which focuses on community engagement, leadership development and the outdoors, local arts and culture, and wellness.
One change for first-year students: John Calvin Toll Day, the College’s largest day of community service, typically held in late September, has been moved to Saturday, Sept. 7, and included as part of orientation. All first-year students are expected to participate.
“Not only will the day focus on community service, but also community engagement by encouraging our students to get out into Schenectady later in the day to explore the many festivals happening that day,” said Aileen Schatz, director of the First-Year Experience.
As new students settle in, returning students move in beginning Monday, Sept. 2. Most will notice substantial enhancements to some of the College’s oldest residence halls.
Opening Convocation, in which the Union community celebrates the official start of the academic year, will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, in Memorial Chapel. An all-campus barbeque will follow on Hull Plaza.
Also, Convocation will feature the presentation of the Stillman Prizes for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research, UNITAS Community Building award and the Hollander Convocation Music Prize.
Fall term classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 4.