In a video statement, President Judy Olian gave a welcoming address and congratulated students on their admission to the Class of 2027.

“We received more than 20,000 undergraduate applications this year, and you were selected from a very impressive group from around the world. Today, it’s about you. We’re excited and proud to show you the many different opportunities you will have as a member of Bobcat Nation,” said Olian.

Within Quinnipiac’s special community, undergraduate students can explore, expand and grow, she said.

“You’ll discover what you’re good at, where you need to develop further, what you like and don’t like. You’ll explore new academic fields and interests outside of classes, cool internships and clinical experiences and endless opportunities to flex your leadership muscles. Our students really flourish here.”

Dean of Admissions Karissa Peckham introduced Tom Ellet, chief experience officer. Ellet said he’s honored to “co-create the experience” with students from their point of entry through graduation.

“At Quinnipiac, students learn by example and by doing. Co-creation is deeply embedded in who we are as an institution,” said Ellet.

Noting only 42 percent of Americans aged 25 and older have earned a college degree, Ellet said the Quinnipiac college experience not only deepens students’ understanding of the world and helps create new lifelong friendships, but also improves their earning potential while enriching their lives in countless other ways.

“Hopefully by the end of today, you will have determined whether or not this is the place where you belong. And belonging is very important to me, and all of the staff here at Quinnipiac,” Ellet said. “As you explore the campus today, you will see that Quinnipiac is a very special place.”

During his keynote address, Quinnipiac School of Communications accelerated dual-degree Bachelor's/Master's Program student Clever Streich '23, MS '24, said he wished he could go back to his welcome session three years ago and tell his past self what he was in for.

He reviewed myriad sports journalism opportunities provided to him through Quinnipiac.

“Quinnipiac has given me the tools to succeed at growing as a journalist and as a person,” said Streich. “The people that I have met, and the opportunities this university has given me, have given me an unforgettable college experience. I couldn’t imagine going to school anywhere else but Quinnipiac, and I hope to see some of you on campus next year.”

Maisa Khan, who has been accepted to the School of Health Sciences, said her Admitted Student Experience visit clinched Quinnipiac as her college acceptance choice.

“It’s like one big family, and I would really like to be part of that. I think it’s important to have that sense of community in your college years,” Kahn said. “I think the opportunities here are tremendous, and I would love to take part in what the school has to offer. The faculty is amazing, and the students are really warm, welcoming and caring.”

Khan plans to become a medical doctor, much like keynote speaker Maria Mastropaolo ’18, MD ’23.

Mastropaolo spoke to the deep network of faculty support she received as an undergraduate at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine.

“I truly felt so supported by everyone here,” said Mastropaolo. “They watched me grow from this shy and not super-confident freshman in college to a budding doctor, and I have kept those relationships so strong. I truly feel if I need anything from them, even if it’s just support, that I will be able to contact them far into my career, and they will be there for me like they were my freshman year.”