This week marked the beginning of the 2016 fall semester for Saint Peter’s and the University was proud to welcome a record-breaking number of new students to campus – 640 freshmen and 94 transfer students. Move-in days and freshmen orientation were held over the weekend, but for many new students, preparation started much earlier.
The Saint Peter’s Orientation Team, or O-Team, spent their summer welcoming the Class of 2020 to campus during Peacock Prep days, which were held in July and August. These events served as a way for new students to acclimate themselves to campus and get to know their fellow classmates.
During the Peacock Prep days, the class was given solid advice on how to be successful as students. They were advised to get involved with clubs and programs and to become friends with at least one faculty member. In addition, they were reminded that they are students now, but they will be alumni forever.
Open House, orientation and Peacock Prep days were the
first time many of the new students were on campus; however, some members of the Class of 2020 have a much longer history with Saint Peter’s University as their parents once walked the same hallways when they were students themselves. These “legacy” students are the next generation of peacocks and they are carrying on the family tradition of studying at Saint Peter’s.
“I love Saint Peter’s University,” said Franci Hric ’13, who attended Peacock Prep with her son, Dustin Ezzo ’20. Hric fondly recalled taking classes at night while she was working. Hric remembers the University providing her hands-on help and as such, she strongly encouraged her son to attend. She currently works in the field of data science and her son looks forward to following in his mother’s footsteps. He is a business major with a concentration in data science.
A father daughter pair had a similar story. Delizia Esca ’20 is excited to be attending the same university as her father, Franco Esca ’87 and she also plans to pursue the same major as him – accounting. She was impressed by Saint Peter’s size and intimate feel. Franco was also pleased that his daughter was following in his footsteps and expressed gratitude for the scholarship that Delizia received. “It’s a tough school, but she will learn a lot,” he said.
Michael Carvalho ’20 said that he always had fond memories of his grandfather singing. Victor E. Sabeh, Ph.D. ’58, was a member of the Glee Club during his time here, and he influenced Carvalho to attend. Carvalho is a biology major and is planning a career in orthopedic medicine.
While the first week of classes is already coming to an end, the excitement on campus is not dwindling. “The energy from these new students is amazing,” said Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry at Saint Peter’s University. “It isn’t just the number of students that is impressive; it is their level of interest and engagement. Students have been in the Office of Campus Ministry and around the student center looking for an opportunity to get involved, which is exactly what we love to see!”
Click here to view an album with photos from the first day of classes, move-in day and Peacock Prep days.