Amid the excitement and jitters marking the arrival of students to campus, new friendships sparked, worries melted away and the stage was set for a successful year as the familiar rhythms of campus life welcomed new and returning Bobcats home.

Directly following the BBQ, members of the Quinnipiac community offered encouragement and support as the audience of new Bobcats enjoyed the sunny afternoon relaxing in Adirondack chairs and on the lawn in the shadow of Sleeping Giant.

“We are all so excited to help you settle into your new home away from home. I promise — these will be among the best years of your life,” said President Judy Olian, following a performance of the Quinnipiac Pep Band. “The possibilities here are endless. We are here to help you make the most of your potential, of your ambitions.”

During her remarks, she encouraged students to get involved and take advantage of the many resources available throughout the university. She also reminded this year’s newest class that the most important lessons they will learn will be the ones they learn about themselves.

“Your journey at Quinnipiac, the one you’re starting this week, I know will change you forever. Because of what you’ll learn about your chosen career, about related disciplines, about unfamiliar concepts, ideas and points of view, and most importantly, what you’ll learn about yourself. Who you are, who you want to be, how you want to have an impact,” said Olian. “You could not be in a better place to launch your journey. Welcome to the Bobcat family. We’re all here to help you thrive.”

Special guest speaker and alumna Sophia Marshall ‘21 addressed the students on behalf of Quinnipiac’s more than 70,000 alumni. Marshall is the senior account manager at Applied BioMath in Concord, Massachusetts.

Sharing her personal story of finding her place at Quinnipiac, Marshall reassured students to remember in moments of self-doubt, “You are not alone. You are not broken. You are not weak.”

“One of the things I wish I had known sitting where you sit now is that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes…It’s easy to look online and see people living the ‘best days,’ busy, social and thriving,” said Marshall. “Each of you will inevitably have a moment where you feel uncertain, nervous or even a little alone. So just know that if you are feeling any of those things, you’re not behind, and you’re certainly not alone.”

Marshall was a member of the Quinnipiac Student Government Association and served as student body president and member of the Board of Trustees from 2020-2021. She was also the president of the women’s club soccer program, leading the team to their first playoff berth during their first year.

“You have the power right now to change your life for the rest of your life. For some of you, this is an opportunity for a fresh start. For some, it’s an opportunity to get involved and learn a new skill or discover a new hobby. So be curious. Connect,” said Marshall. “Know you are now a part of a compassionate community with an abundance of resources should you ever find yourself needing one. You have the power to make this experience entirely your own.”

As she concluded her remarks, Marshall reminded the Class of 2028 that they have joined a lasting community that will provide the support they need to be the best versions of themselves, not only as a student but throughout their lives as alumni.

“All of us are Bobcats. When I look out at you, I see a group of future lawyers, nurses, doctors, game changers, deal makers, influencers, teachers and so much more. Bobcat Nation is a group of change-makers, from Olympic medalists to CEOs, to political activists, just to name a few,” said Marshall. “After all, there are multiple sides to all of us. Who we are — and who we might be if we follow our dreams. Welcome to Quinnipiac, Class of 2028, you’re going to love it here. Go Bobcats!”

Student Government Association President J.P. DiDonato ’25, JD ’28, echoed Marshall’s message and officially welcomed the students on behalf of SGA. Through personal antidotes and reflection, he urged students to get involved and never forget they are the authors of their own stories.

“Quinnipiac University is an amazing place, filled with amazing people and opportunities. Here, you’ll encounter many choices, and your experience will be shaped by what you choose to (or not) to do,” said DiDonato. “You’ll be constantly uplifted by members of the community.”

DiDonato reflected on his time as a student and encouraged the Class of 2028 to step out of their comfort zones, try something new and embrace the uncomfortable.

“There will be countless opportunities for you…to figure out what you can be. There will always be unexpected turns in the road. As a peer, I would like to challenge you to embrace those turns and make the most of your college career by doing the most that you can,” said DiDonato. “This new chapter— is an opportunity for you to step into your true self, discovering and strengthening the parts of your identity that you are proud of, and introducing the real you to the Quinnipiac community, and to the world.”

The BBQ came to a close with orientation coordinators leading the members of the Class of 2028 in a spirited Bobcat roar, a fitting kick-off to the new academic school year.

Quinnipiac welcomed more than 3,300 new students this year, including 1,947 first-year, 213 transfer and 1,186 graduate students. The undergraduate Class of 2028 is one of the largest in recent years, heralding from 31 states and 25 countries with a strong academic profile of a 3.6 GPA and an average SAT score of 1205.

This year’s class follows an active admissions cycle that hosted more than 10,000 prospective students and families for campus visits, marking an increase of 12% from the previous year. In addition, 63% of the Class of 2028 said that Quinnipiac was their first-choice school.