Welcome, St. Lawrence Class of 2030!
They’re aspiring scientists and economists, varsity athletes and community leaders, first-generation college students and next-generation Laurentians. They’ve arrived from 22 states, 18 countries, and more than 300 high schools around the world.
Now, they have something new in common: they are St. Lawrence University’s Class of 2030.
The University welcomed its newest Laurentians to campus on Saturday, Aug. 22, as students moved into their newly renovated first-year residence halls, met classmates and Orientation leaders, and celebrated Matriculation.
“St. Lawrence is a place that challenges and supports; that demands connection; and that inspires you to reach your full potential to make that Laurentian Impact well beyond your years here on campus,” Vice President for Student Life Jon Duraj said in his remarks to students and their families.
Members of the Class of 2030 represent over 300 unique high schools around the world, with the largest cohorts coming from UWC Waterford in South Africa, Cazenovia High School in New York, and Hingham High School in Massachusetts. Transfer students arrive from 26 different colleges—including two who made the short trip down Route 11 from Clarkson University.
For 80 new Laurentians, arriving at St. Lawrence marks another milestone: they are the first in their families to attend a four-year college. More than 65 students have a sibling, parent, or grandparent who attended St. Lawrence.
They’re also bringing wide-ranging interests and experiences to campus. Among them are 193 varsity student-athletes, and many more competed in varsity or club sports before arriving at St. Lawrence. At least 160 students have expressed interest in business, finance, economics, or business in the liberal arts, while another 160 are interested in the sciences.
The focus of the day was curiosity and connection, which echoed in Duraj’s message to the Class of 2030. He touched on St. Lawrence’s groundbreaking student wellness initiative, SLU Thrives, which aims to provide holistic support for students’ personal, academic, and professional growth.
“This time of growth and newness for you will demand a lot,” said Duraj, adding, “None of us do this alone, and you were never expected to.”
From professors and advisors to coaches, classmates, hallmates, alumni, and staff across campus, Duraj reminded students that asking for help is part of being successful. He also encouraged them to care for their own well-being and that of the community around them: “Take care of yourself. Take care of one another. Take care of this place. Have fun.”
And as the newest Laurentians begin making St. Lawrence their own, Duraj offered three expectations for how they can contribute to the community they’ve joined: Listen. Respect. Engage.
The Class of 2030 arrived at St. Lawrence with different experiences, interests, and ideas about where the next four years might lead. Now, they’ll have a community behind them as they find out.
Welcome home, Class of 2030.
