AC Welcomes Largest Freshmen Class Ever posted 8/20/08
Faculty and staff excited for 577 new students this fall

ADRIAN, Mich. – Adrian College continues to soar as it welcomes its largest freshmen class ever to campus this fall which includes 529 new freshmen and 48 transfer students.

"The faculty is extremely excited and prepared to work with the entering class of 2008,” says Dr. Agnes Caldwell, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. “So far, all events for Welcome Week are going smoothly."

The new students are in the middle of Welcome Week which consists of moving in, taking placement exams, orientation, and fun-filled events. The students moved in on Sunday, August 17.

"Sunday's move-in went very well,” says Kristi Maxwell, Dean of Student Life. “It is a pleasure to welcome such a large and enthusiastic group to campus."

Freshman Kate Gladieux, a LaSalle, Mich. native and Monroe High School graduate, is a member of the women’s soccer team and says the campus community has been very friendly.

“Welcome Week is a bit nerve-wracking only because there’s so much to do,” says Gladieux. “I’m very excited though and everyone is so nice and welcoming. They want us here, even the upperclassmen are willing to talk to you and help out.”

She says that even though it’s been stressful she is happy the orientation sessions are a week-long.

“I’m glad I don’t have to worry about getting everything done in two days,” says Gladieux. “It’s nice to have time to adjust and learn my way around.”

After students got settled into the dorms on Sunday they took part in the traditional matriculation ceremony. The matriculation ceremony, an annual tradition at British universities as well as some American colleges and universities, is a formal recognition of new students enrolling at the College and joining its community.

On Sunday evening many of the students participated in a private ice skating session at the College’s Arrington Ice Arena.

“The energy of these incoming students is high,” says Arrington Ice Arena Director Todd Mittelmeier. “You could tell they were all excited to finally be on campus making new friends. I was happy we could provide them with a unique social event like skating at their very own ice rink.”

Students spent most of the day on Monday taking placement exams. On Tuesday they participated in Community Plunge where students volunteered at a variety of different locations throughout the community. Events included a carnival at the Lenawee County Medical Center for its residents and events at the Hope Community Center and Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Center. Students also visited numerous other locations including Adrian High School, YMCA, Adrian Public Library, Tendercare Health Center, and Lenawee County Fairgrounds.

According to Director of Admissions Carolyn Quinlan most of the incoming freshmen are Michigan residents however 125 of the students are from 20 other states and three provinces in Canada.

The academic credentials of these incoming students are also very high according to Andy Spohn, Director of Financial Aid.

“Adrian College has raised its academic standards for admission consecutively over the past two years,” says Spohn. “We have awarded 90% of our incoming freshmen class academic scholarships. 33 out of the 48 transfer students were awarded academic scholarship funds as well.”

Students will end the week with a trip to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island which has become a freshman tradition at the College. On Thursday morning the 529 freshmen along with approximately 30 Adrian College staff, upperclassmen, and safety officers will board 11 coach buses and head to Mackinaw until Friday.

“I’m really looking forward to Mackinaw,” says Gladieux. “I’ve been pretty busy with orientation and practices so this will give me a chance to meet people outside of soccer. It’s a great way to end the week.”