When Lydia Manuel visited Union, she was impressed by what she discovered. A wealth of academic opportunities. Robust study abroad options. A range of student activities. Welcoming students and faculty. A sense of community.
The Solon, Ohio, student felt at home on the College’s historic campus.
Lydia Manuel is among up to 480 students preparing to begin their college journey as members of the Class of 2030. They were selected from 9,400 applicants.
“I am elated to start my journey of self-discovery and preparing for my future career while earning my degree at Union,” said Manuel, who is interested in neuroscience and economics. “I am a student with a lot of school spirit. I am super excited to be a part of the Union College community and root for the Garnet Chargers.”
Manuel is among up to 480 students (including 15 transfer students) preparing to begin their college journey as members of the Class of 2030. They were selected from 9,400 applicants.
The Class of 2030 includes:
- 25 percent first-generation students
- 33 percent domestic students of color and international students from 17 countries, including Brazil, Japan and Romania.
- 36 states and District of Columbia represented
- 56 percent men, 44 percent women
“We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of students to Union from across the country and around the world,” said Gregory Sneed, vice president for Enrollment Management. “These scholars will not only thrive in Union’s intellectual environment, but they bring a broad array of experiences, perspectives and ambitions to our community. They are curious, engaged and eager to explore across boundaries. I can’t wait to see the ways they will challenge themselves, learn from one another and shape our community.”
Nikolas Markham of Barrington, R.I., is another first-year student anxious to begin his college journey. He was particularly inspired by Union’s smaller class sizes. Unlike larger schools, Union boasts a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
“I am coming to Union to study physics and astronomy and am excited to see how my professors will teach the subjects,” said Markham. “I like that there is an opportunity to work directly with professors on their projects.”
Manuel and Markham will join other first-year students who officially move in Friday, Sept. 4, which also kicks off orientation weekend.
Students and their families will receive an official welcome from President Elizabeth Kiss and other College officials at 4:30 p.m. on Frank Bailey Field. At 7:25 p.m., the students pose for a class picture at the Nott Memorial. They will then walk to the President’s House to sing the College’s alma mater, “Ode to Old Union,” for President Kiss.
Students move in to their residence halls last year.
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.
Aileen Schatz, director of the First-Year Experience, said the College has increased its offerings for Sunday’s “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 18 experiences that range from touring Broadway in New York City to visiting the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. to an Adirondack adventure.
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. 12. The event has expanded to three additional days, on Sunday, Sept. 13, Monday, Sept. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 19. Details will follow.
Returning students move in Monday, Sept. 7.
Convocation, in which the Union community celebrates the official start of the academic year, will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Memorial Chapel.
The event will feature the presentation of the Stillman Prizes for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research, the Music Department Convocation Prize and the UNITAS Community Building Award.
Fall term classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 9.