As they arrived on the refreshingly cool morning of Aug. 20, Connecticut College’s 483 new students—including 462 first-years and 21 transfers—were greeted by cheering student leaders, colorful signs and a campus community eager to welcome the newest herd of Camels in Conn’s 114-year history.

The cohort was drawn to the College’s innovative curriculum, extensive career preparation, global focus, strong athletics, tradition of environmental stewardship and ample opportunities for collaboration with faculty. Members hail from 36 states and 26 countries, including Armenia, Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Norway, Switzerland, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Zambia. The Class of 2029 is also among the most diverse in the College’s history; 29% are domestic students of color and 19% are first-generation college students.

The first task for many on Arrival Day was to move into one of Conn’s 21 residence houses (students participating in one of the College’s three pre-orientation programs got a head start on the move-in process, arriving Aug. 18 or 19). In the afternoon, the newest Camels gathered in Palmer Auditorium for a New Student Welcome, during which Associate Dean of Campus Life Geoff Norbert and Dean of First-Year Students Emily Morash provided an overview of the orientation program and offered tips for success and words of encouragement.

After meeting with their first-year seminar student advisers and saying goodbye to their families, the students were addressed by President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Dean of the College and Vice President for Retention and Success Erika Smith and Student Government Association President Adriana Manzano ’28.

Manzano, a gender, sexuality and intersectionality and English double major from Chicago, Illinois, encouraged her fellow students to make the most of their time at Conn.

“Being here today shows your commitment to yourself and your education. It’s also a time to think about what you can accomplish,” she said. “Your passions will guide you here. You’ll have so many new opportunities and experiences. Take advantage of them. Make connections with people inside and outside of class, join clubs and organizations, explore New London, and, most of all, dream about what you could be.” 

Chapdelaine told the students that she stood in their shoes when she joined the College one year ago. “It’s been a year of discovery, learning and building new relationships, and I’m so excited each of you will now have that experience,” she said.

“You will have the chance to put your own stamp on this place. You’ll be encouraged to connect your studies with internships, research and community engagement. You’ll learn by questioning and making a difference, not only on campus, but in the world,” Chapdelaine continued.

“We are a student-centered college. Your growth and well-being during your time here will always be our priority. You are not just part of this place—you define it.”

Over the next few days, the new students learned more about the College’s signature Connections program, met with their advisers, registered for classes and began to form friendships that, for many, will last the rest of their lives. The extended Welcome Weekend culminated Monday, Aug. 25, with the 111th Convocation, a celebration of the opening of the academic year. Tanya Schneider, the Hans and Ella McCollum ’21 Vahlteich Associate Professor of Chemistry at Conn and winner of the 2025 Nancy Batson Bisbet Rash Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, delivered the keynote address, “Finding Four-Leaf Clovers.”

For more coverage of Arrival Day and Welcome Weekend, follow @ConnCollege on Instagram and @ConnecticutCollege on Facebook.