Conn welcomes Class of 2028

As they arrived on the sunny morning of Aug. 21, Connecticut College’s 471 new students—including 458 first-years, 12 transfers and one RTC student—were greeted by cheering student leaders, colorful signs and a campus community eager to welcome the newest herd of Camels in Conn’s 113-year history.

The cohort was drawn to the College’s innovative curriculum, extensive career preparation, global focus, commitment to full participation, tradition of environmental stewardship and ample opportunities for collaboration with faculty. Members hail from 34 states and 22 countries, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Finland, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Slovakia and Uzbekistan. The Class of 2028 is also among the most diverse in the College’s history; 28% are domestic students of color and 16% are first-generation college students.

The first task for many on Arrival Day was to move into one of Conn’s 20 residence houses (students participating in one of the College’s three pre-orientation programs got a head start on the move-in process, arriving Aug. 19 or 20). In the afternoon, music filled the air before a New Student Welcome gathering on Tempel Green. Associate Dean of Campus Life Geoff Norbert and Dean of First-Year Students Emily Morash provided an overview of the orientation program and offered tips for success and words of encouragement.

After Norbert took his traditional selfie with the new class, he encouraged them to make the most of their experience as Camels. “Today, I am handing you a sopping wet sponge that is your Connecticut College experience,” he said. “You have four years to wring that thing completely dry. Find your passions, find the things that interest you in the classroom, have a ton of fun with your friends, get involved in student leadership, compete on the field or the court. And when I’m the last person you see before you walk over to get your degree, I want you to say, ‘Dean Norbert, it’s done. I did everything.’”