Class of 2029 set to begin its journey; Convocation is Sept. 2

Publication Date

When she began her college search, Caroline Frost had a good idea of what she wanted in a school.

“Small enough where I could know my teachers and other faculty personally, but not so small that I wouldn’t be able to meet a new person every day,” said Frost.

The Canaan, N.H., student also sought a college where she could pursue her many interests, including psychology, marine biology and creative writing.

Caroline Frost '29

Caroline Frost '29 said “Union is a place to grow, explore, learn and to test limits. But most importantly to me, it was a place where I felt free to be me.”

“I wanted a place where I could explore my boundaries and interests with all the support I needed without feeling in competition with my peers,” she said.

When she visited campus, she was hooked.

“It immediately felt like home,” she said. “Union is a place to grow, explore, learn and to test limits. But most importantly to me, it was a place where I felt free to be me.”

Frost is among the 477 students beginning their college journey as members of the Class of 2029. They were selected from more than 9,500 applicants.

The Class of 2029 includes:

  • 23 percent first-generation students
  • 37 percent domestic students of color and international students from 25 countries, including Afghanistan, Ecuador, Greece and Poland
  • 29 states and Puerto Rico represented
  • 57 percent men, 43 percent women

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the arrival of our new first-year and transfer students,” said Jason Nevinger, interim vice president for Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment. “Throughout the entirety of the admissions cycle, we have been impressed with not only their potential for academic success, but with the positive impacts they have made on their communities. I know they bring those traits with them and by doing so will add to the vibrancy of Union and make it an even better place than it already is.”

For Torsten Fras of Haverford, Pa., the opportunity to balance his interests in music and the sciences drew him to Union. An award-winning harpsichordist, Fras is excited to perform with the Early Music Ensemble while pursuing a medical career through the Leadership in Medicine program.

“I did consider other schools, including Columbia and Brown, but Union's unique combination of a small school with supportive students and faculty, a balance of science and humanities, and the opportunity to further study Baroque music ultimately convinced me to come here,” he said.

“I'm looking forward to when school begins. I'm excited to try new things, live in a totally new environment, and most of all, meet new people.”

First-year students can officially move in Friday, Aug. 29.

Aileen Schatz, director of the First-Year Experience, said orientation has been “recharged” this year to provide students with a strong foundation academically, socially and personally. Along with the typical info sessions and campus tours, orientation includes a “Chargers on the Harbor,” event at nearby Mohawk Harbor with food, drinks and desserts courtesy of Union’s dining team and local restaurants. Students can also tour M&T Bank Center, the new home of the Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs.

Also new is “Shared Experience Day,” a day of activities focused on connecting around a common interest. Led by Union faculty and staff, students are placed in one of 16 experiences that range in themes from baseball to gardening to wellness to theater, among others.

When she began her college search, Caroline Frost had a good idea of what she wanted in a school. “Small enough where I could know my teachers and other faculty personally, but not so small that I wouldn’t be able to meet a new person every day,” said Frost. The Canaan, N.H., student also sought a college where she could pursue her many interests, including psychology, marine biology and creative writing. “I wanted a place where I could explore my boundaries and interests with all the support I needed witho

Members of the Class of 2029 participate in First-Year Spark in July.

Elizabeth Kiss, the College’s new president, will join the students participating in “The Ultimate Adirondack Experience.” It features a hike that leads to a fire tower at Hadley Mountain, offering spectacular views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain regions.

All first-year students are also expected to participate in John Calvin Toll Day, the College’s largest day of community service, on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Returning students move in beginning Monday, Sept. 1.

Opening Convocation, in which the Union community celebrates the official start of the academic year, will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, in Memorial Chapel.

The event will feature the presentation of the Stillman Prizes for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research, and the Music Department Convocation Prize.

Fall term classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 3.