Class of 2020 Sets Vision on Time at Arcadia
More than 600 first-year students and 105 transfer students entered the Class of 2020 on Aug. 26, making it one of the largest incoming classes in the University’s history.
Throughout the day, a team of volunteer student-athletes, faculty, and staff unloaded cars and carried clothing, snacks, mini-fridges, books, and more into residence halls. Though hectic, the scene progressed on schedule, thanks to the efforts of the Facilities, Public Safety, and Engagement and New Student Programs teams.
For Annaluz Fox ’20, Move-in Day was a time to relax before Orientation—she moved in from her hometown of Tomahawk, Wis., the previous day, allowing her to watch the scene unfold as parents tearfully hugged their children and new roommates met, often for the first time.
“I lucked out, seeing the big mess [of students moving in]. The staff has been very nice, and I see them helping everyone,” said Fox, an undeclared major interested in Arcadia’s Physical Therapy program.
Move-in Day for Sarah Rothhaas ’20 differed from the majority of her classmates—her stay in Glenside is temporary, as she will soon board a plane for Stirling, Scotland, as part of Arcadia’s First-Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE).
“I am really excited for the FYSAE program and all of the study abroad options, especially since I’m a Biology major, which was something that was really hard to do at other schools,” said Rothhaas, who is from Shady Side, Md.
Move-in Day is important for non-resident students, as well. Eric Fink ’20, a commuter student from Langhorne, Pa., noted how the day allowed him to get a feel for campus before the semester starts. A Biology and pre-Physician Assistant student, he looked forward to studying and contributing to Arcadia’s close-knit community.
“I like that everyone is like a tiny family. The [Orientation leaders] have been really helpful,” he said before heading to the Welcome Ceremony in the Kuch Center Alumni Gymnasium.
Whether commuting or living on-campus, staying in Glenside or departing for the UK, students in the Class of 2020 begin an important time of their lives. President Nicolette DeVille Christensen, addressing the class at the Welcome Ceremony, posed four questions:
“What do you want to do? Where do you want to go? Who do you want to become? How do you want to give back?”
“These answers might not come to you immediately,” she added. “But they will through your course of time here.”
After the welcome, the Class of 2020 divided into their Orientation groups to begin five days of activities that include social events and Arcadia’s annual Day of Service for new students, now in its 25th year.
An Interesting Class
Members of the Class of 2020 have already made some interesting accomplishments. For example, students have:
- Performed at the 2015 International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Qualified for the 2016 Junior Olympics in competitive fencing
- Researched with NASA scientists
- Competed as a figure skater and synchronized figure skater
- Performed in the Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show
- Won the US Academic Decathlon at the state and national level
A Global Class
Even before coming to Arcadia, Class of 2020 students have used their passports to:
- Study abroad in Brazil for a year
- Spend up to 10 months on exchange programs in Argentina, Italy, and Spain
- Volunteer for three weeks in China
- Assist on a three-week medical mission trip to Nicaragua.
Class of 2020 Fast Facts
- 18 valedictorians or salutatorians
- 104 ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class
- 4 sets of twins, one set of triplets
- Around 50 percent from outside of Pennsylvania
