School is officially back in session as the Saint Anselm College community welcomed its newest Anselmians to campus. Bringing diverse backgrounds, interests, and all the dorm essentials, the Class of 2030 arrived on the Hilltop with open minds and positive attitudes, setting the tone for what’s to come over the next four years.
After an eventful move-in day, the sun beat down on students and their loved ones who had gathered in front of Alumni Hall for closing remarks. Student-co chairs and orientation leaders Katie Hurley ’27 and Mia Polston ’27 opened the ceremony by encouraging the freshmen to remain open to new ideas and opportunities and maintain a trust and confidence in themselves throughout the college journey.
“Embrace the love and support the Anselmian community has to offer. Let yourself be changed by it and be brave enough to impact the community in a way only you can,” said Hurley. “I feel so lucky to be a part of and welcome you to a place that supports not only your academic success but your personal growth in every way.”
Polston beamed at her co-chair before addressing the crowd herself.
“I can't help but think about how the orientation program not only helped me discover who I wanted to be as I began my college journey but also introduced me to my best friend and roommate who is standing beside me today.” The girls then welcomed President Mike Lewis, Ph.D., the College’s 12th president, to the stage.
“This is my first year on campus as well . . . and I am confident you're going to find this place just as welcoming as I have,” said Lewis, who began his presidency in July. “Whether you're Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, you have other religious beliefs, or no religious beliefs at all, you are welcome here. Seize this opportunity. Get everything you can get from here. Your journey ahead is a great privilege, and don't take it for granted.”
The president then turned his attention to the parents.
“I'm sure you’ll have the flood of memories of your child growing up, and I would just embrace it all,” said Lewis, a college parent himself. “You got them to this point. They're still going to need you as much as ever.” By the end of his speech, there was hardly a dry eye in sight.
“Your child is in great hands. They're going to be transformed here at Saint Anselm College.”
Nervous anticipation lingered in the humid air as final farewells ensued, and within minutes, the newest Hawks had taken their first leap from the nest. With the toughest part behind them, operation orientation was full steam ahead.
Day One
After meeting their assigned groups, theClass of 2030 kicked off orientation with conversations and spent the late-afternoon hours forming the first friendships of freshman year. As the evening approached, a smokey aroma wafted through the late-summer breeze as students enjoyed a backyard-style barbeque. With full bellies, students returned to their residence halls for an inaugural floor meeting while off-campus students mingled at a commuter social. Come evening, the entire class reconvened in the Sullivan Arena for Playfair, a first-year program designed to jumpstart school spirit, unify students, and dive right into the college experience.
Day Two
The next day began bright and early with breakfast in Davison Dining Hall. An academic meet and greet succeeded the nutritious meal, giving students a chance to introduce themselves to faculty before the start of the semester. This opportunity served as a way for incoming students to learn more about the professors and begin developing relationships with them without the first-day jitters.
By late morning, students had pivoted to two lectures: “We Belong: Building a Culture of Respect and Belonging” led by Nicole Lora ’06 and Karina Bonilla ’21, and “Call to Service” spearheaded by the Meelia Center for Community Engagement’s Director Allyn Doyle ’13. Doyle’s talk served as the perfect segue for the annual Brian Maguire Day of Service, a chance for students to dip their toes into the world of community-engaged learning.
“Within their first 36 hours on campus, students are introduced to our campus culture of intentional and thoughtful service and community engagement,” said Doyle. “[They are connected] not only with each other but also with members of the greater Manchester community; a community that is now also their home.”
The Anselmian spirit of service was felt all over southern New Hampshire with students helping over 30 local organizations with a range of tasks. Some students took shelter dogs for enriching walks while others assembled craft kits for upcoming events. Nature trails were cleared of rogue brush and litter, and public-school classrooms were set up for the academic year. After just four hours, local emergency shelters had been refreshed, flowers had been planted, and despite being tired, students were satisfied with their dedicated efforts.
Back on campus, students reflected on their busy day over a grab-and-go dinner and prepped for what was to come — an introductory service in the Abbey Church, their first collegiate pep rally, and an electric field hockey match under the lights.
The Class of 2030 wrapped up the evening with karaoke, trivia, and late-night bites in the C-Shop and Pub, and retreated to their rooms (or homes) exhausted but excited for the final day of orientation.
Day Three
Saturday morning started with breakfast and sept into several informative seminars. Packed with resources, advice, and details, these lectures equipped students with the necessary tools to get the most out of their Saint Anselm experience. In the afternoon, the students familiarized themselves with campus through guided tours, awaited Road for Hope’s return, and relaxed on the quad before dressing up to snap a traditional class photo.
In the evening, students attended the New Student Banquet, where President Lewis joined Stephen Quinn ’27, student body president, in raising the Class of 2030’s banner. This is the first group of students that have begun their college tenure under Lewis’s leadership, making this ceremony an especially momentous one.
“Be open to whatever comes your way and be flexible,” Quinn advised the Class of 2030 as he stood before them. “Every roadblock [you might face] simply redirects you towards something better.” The student body president ended his speech by reassuring first-year students that despite potential nerves and uncertainty about what to expect from college, everything will be okay and will work out as it’s meant to.
The night ended with the Anselmian Blessing at the Grotto — a candlelight induction marking the official induction to the institution. Students received a blessing, lit a candle, and were gifted an official Anselmian bracelet. Four years from now, the Class of 2030 will return to the grotto for a similar ceremony ahead of commencement.
“We are so grateful to have a community so invested in preparing for our new students,” said Jean Couture, assistant dean of students and director of student engagement and leadership. “[At orientation], we want them to begin to understand what it means to be Anselmian and to begin to feel a sense of belonging within our community.”