The Class of 2014 officially arrived on campus Saturday, jolting the campus from its summer slumber. Cars, trucks and SUVs stuffed with belongings filled the parking areas near residence halls. Dozens of volunteers pitched in to help cart stuff into rooms, while members of Campus Safety and Facilities patiently answered questions from anxious parents.
College President Stephen C. Ainlay and his wife, Judith, along with their springer spaniel, Winston, strolled across the campus, greeting the new arrivals.
“Everything is really shaping up well,” said Molly MacElroy, director of Residential Life, whose members had planned weeks for this day. “People are really excited and eager to get in, and we want it to go as smoothly as possible.” MacElroy spent about five hours overseeing resident advisors and directors as they helped students move into their new living quarters.
Charlotte Lehman carefully planned and organized what she would bring for her first year at Union.
But after she left her Geneva, N.Y. home, she realized she forgot a few things. Bed risers. A power cord. ChapStick.
“It looks like we will be making another run to Target,” said her mother, Victoria, as other first-year students hauled mini refrigerators, bikes, boxes and sheets into West College.
Students and their families received a welcome from College leaders at 3 p.m. in Memorial Chapel, with President Ainlay reminding the class that they were given an opportunity unimaginable to most of the world.
At 3:45 p.m., families parted as students headed off to group orientation activities, including posing for their class picture at the Nott Memorial. While at the Nott, students signed the first Union College Pledge to honor diversity, vowing to treat others with respect and demonstrating their commitment to creating a safe and culturally sensitive campus environment for all.
Orientation activities continued on Monday with a full slate of programs, and returning students moved back to campus Sunday.
There are 560 members of the Class of 2014, selected from among 4,945 applications. Forty-four percent, a record figure, were accepted through early decision.
The class is one of the strongest academically, with 62 percent ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class and average SAT scores of 1290 (on a scale of 1600) and 1920 (on a scale of 2400), both record highs.
Students of color comprise 16 percent of the class; international students, 4 percent.
Charlotte Lehman looked at a handful of schools before deciding on Union. Her grandfather, Hugh, graduated from Union in 1958, but that wasn’t the deciding factor.
“The school has really strong programs,” said Lehman, who is undecided about a major.
Her parents, Bram and Victoria, were proud to have their oldest of four daughters launch her college experience.
“She’s ready,” her father said. “Yes, it’s time to move on,” said her mother.
Charlotte agreed. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said before heading off to connect with her new roommate.