Classes of 2022 Hit Campus
30 August 2018 Classes of 2022 Hit Campus
Embracing the opportunities ahead, the Classes of 2022 arrived on campus on Thursday to officially join the Hobart and William Smith community and begin a journey defined by the academic rigor of the liberal arts, new passions and lifelong friendships.
The 620 new students shook hands with Interim President Patrick A. McGuire L.H.D. 12 and Sandy McGuire on the steps of Coxe Hall, a decades-long tradition that bonds generations of graduates.
Im excited to take advantage of the diverse curriculum and begin exploring my interests through the career center and alum network, says Michael Mullholland 22, a squash player from Berwyn, Pa., who is looking forward to courses in history, sociology and entrepreneurial studies.
Gathered with their family and friends, students throughout the morning met their roommates, unpacked, explored campus and connected with their Orientation groups. They also reflected on their excitement and the opportunities ahead over the next four years.
During Orientation, the Classes of 2022 will explore and volunteer in Geneva; meet with their First Year Seminar professors and advisers; and partake in a weekend filled with activities designed to introduce them to the HWS community including, music and games on the Quad, food trucks, receptions at the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Hillel, a variety show at Smith Opera House and more.
Every interaction I had with HWS during my college search showed me the strength of this community and how much people really care, says Josh Salazar 22, a student from Los Angeles who looks forward to taking advantage of HWS No. 1 study abroad program. Im also excited to meet my roommate, my classmates and get to know my professors.
The new classes include a number of legacy students the children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins or siblings of alumni, alumnae and current studentswho comprise nearly 15 percent of the Classes of 2022.
HWS already feels like home because I immediately felt like people wanted me to be here, says Katie Ruggles 22, a William Smith field hockey player from Tilton, N.H., who comes to the Colleges in the footsteps of her father Scott Ruggles 92.
KeyonDre Betaudier 22, from Brooklyn, N.Y., agrees. I quickly felt comfortable when I first visited and everyone Ive met has been so genuinely happy with life at HWS and in Geneva, says Betaudier, who plays the tuba and is excited to take a diverse selection of classes.
The Classes of 2022 matriculate with 40 percent of its students accepted to the Colleges early decision, 25 percent identifying as students of color, and an average SAT math and verbal score of 1320, all increases from previous years.
This campus feels like home, says Caitie Britt 22, who is from Fairport, N.Y., and interested in studying biology and education. Im excited to settle in, have a fresh start, meet everyone and start our next chapter.
Orientation Weekend activities will culminate at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 27 withConvocation 2018 featuring a keynote address andwelcome from Margarita Ramos 85, Bank of Americas global head of human resource compliance.
For more coverage on the Classes of 2022s first weekend on campus, visit theOrientation 2018 page.