Freshman, Freshman Everywhere

After a summer full of excitement, a new school year is once again upon us all. With a new year always comes new surprises at AU.

This fall, students returned to Alfred to find the new set of first-years already moved in. The class of 2015, keeping with tradition arrived on campus early for orientation.

While this may sound like the beginnings of a routine fall at AU, they are in fact quite out of the ordinary.

Why? Because this year’s freshman class marks the largest ever in Alfred University history. That’s right, the largest EVER in the 175 year existence of this institution. That, in and of it’s self is quite impressive.

Fortunately, there is information that may help quantify this year’s incoming students. It's been repeatedly proclaimed that the class of 2015 the biggest in AU history. Exactly how many first year students are there though?

The answer? 575. A number that does not even include the 83 transfer students for this year.

What’s the ratio of males to females? The class of 2015 is comprised of 325 males and 250 females. While these figures alone are astounding, there are more interesting statistics. Of these 575 students, 230 are student athletes, 55 are new additions to the University’s honors program, and roughly 150 are minority students.

But why are there so many new students this year? Is it the result of Alfred’s growing prestige (both on and off the football field), or is admissions simply accepting more students out of economic necessity? The answer, unfortunately, is quite unclear.

While the numbers provide some insight, it will ultimately be up to the class of 2015 to make a name for itself. Assuredly, all eyes will be on them as the first year students continue to settle in and begin to acquaint themselves with life away from their homes and families.

The Alfred community is ready to accept this new group of students the same way they have for the last 175 years; with open arms.

The real question is, will the class of 2015 hold consistent and eventually graduate as the largest class in the history of Alfred University? We can only hope. And will they choose to embrace their place in AU history, or will their reputation exceed them? Ultimately that will be up for these students to decide.

So, to the class of 2015, your time starts now. Show us what you got!