A record-breaking class of first-year students was encouraged to seize opportunities, pursue dreams, and make lasting memories during Warrior Welcome, Eastern’s annual kickoff to the academic year, on Aug. 22-24.

The weekend welcomed more than 1,100 first-year students and nearly 300 transfer students to campus, culminating on Aug. 24 with two flagship ceremonies: Convocation and Light the Way. The events  marked the beginning of the newest Warriors’ Eastern journey.

Of the approximately 1,146 full-time, first-year students — the largest incoming class on record — 90% live in campus residence halls. They and the approximately 285 transfer students join a student body of 3,850 matriculated students and a campus residency that is 100% occupied.

First-year enrollment jumped 50% this year, from 760 students in fall 2025. The new class hails from 20 states, has an average GPA of 3.3, and includes about 50% first-generation students. Additionally, 172 are student-athletes, 25 are enrolled in the University Honors Program, and the class includes 12 sets of twins

The most popular majors among the incoming class include health sciences, business administration, psychology, nursing, and criminology.

Convocation

For the first time in almost two decades, Eastern held a convocation ceremony to formally welcome first-year students and mark the beginning of their academic careers.

During the ceremony, new students were encouraged to build lasting connections, pursue opportunities, and embrace the value of a liberal arts education.

“To be educated is to experience awe, to be floored by the breathtaking scope and wonder of the things we do not know,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cheryl Wilson during her introduction to the ceremony.

“At Eastern, our commitment to the liberal arts means that we are committed to designing and delivering an education that has value in both content and context that will offer you a glimpse of a fathomless world and a desire to dive in.”

Eastern President Karim Ismaili also addressed students.

“You are here to pursue your own goals, to prepare for a meaningful career, and to build a life that reflects your aspirations,” he said. “What you will learn here will eventually travel with you beyond this campus. It will shape how you participate in your communities, how you approach problems, and how you interact with people whose experiences may be very different from your own.”

The event also featured an address by Jennifer Leszczynski, professor of psychological science and recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Teaching award.

“I have the unique opportunity of giving you the first lecture that you will receive at Eastern,” she joked to students. “My plan today is to teach you three things.”

Her first lesson focused on a concept called the reminiscence bump – the psychological concept suggesting people tend to recall memories most vividly between the ages of 10 and 30.

“Not to put any pressure on you, but enjoy this decade of your life.”

Her second point was that students made the right decision to pursue a liberal arts education at Eastern.

“The faculty at Eastern have chosen to work at a small liberal arts institution because we believe deeply in teaching and mentoring,” Leszczynski said. “Get to know your professors. Strong relationships with you professors can open doors for you.”

Her final point focused on college as a transitional period between adolescence and adulthood.

“The beauty of this life stage is that you can focus on yourself and explore. Try new things, change your mind, be optimistic about the future, and decide what type of person you want to become.”

Kemesha Wilmot, dean of students, also addressed students: “As you begin your journey at Eastern, I would like to leave you with these words: Be bold, be courageous, and remember that Warriors are resilient.”

She continued: “The next four years will be filled with experiences that will shape who you become, both inside and outside the classroom. We are excited to be a part of that journey and cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish. Welcome to the Warrior family!”

Emily Jones, senior class president, gave words of wisdom to the incoming class.

“There’s a Japanese term: ‘Mono no aware.’ It describes a deep appreciation for the beauty of a moment because you know that moment won’t last forever,” she said. “I hope that over the next four years, you take the time to notice those moments.”

The ceremony concluded with a formal presentation of the incoming class to Eastern faculty and a musical performance of “Go the Distance” by sophomore Ethan Sirard.

Light the Way

Later that day, Webb Lawn filled with first-year students as the sun set for Eastern’s second annual “Light the Way,” a second-annual tradition celebrating the transition to campus life.

The event featured a candle-lighting ceremony symbolizing the beginning of a new journey, followed by a dance party and light show, transforming the lawn into a vibrant dance floor.

President Ismaili, Michael Hemmings, head student orientation counselor, and Natalie Braswell, interim chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, offered words of encouragement.

"Tonight isn't just about celebrating the start of a new academic year. It's about coming together as a community and the start of blazing your own path at Eastern," said Braswell. "Eastern is going to give you the knowledge, experiences, relationships, and opportunities you need to succeed, not just when you graduate, but long after you leave this campus."

Alyssa Duffy, director of New Student and Family Programs, led a charge during the candle-lighting ceremony, calling for success in the year ahead, followed by an a capella number by Eastern’s SOCs.

“Let these lights remind us, the path may not always be easy, but we are never walking it alone,” Duffy said in her charge. “Look around you — every light you see is a reminder that you’re not on this journey alone. Together, we illuminate not just our own paths, but the community we’re building here.

“As the lawn comes to life with color, flames, and excitement, let it be a symbol of all the energy and joy that this year holds. … Soak it in — this is your moment. Enjoy the music, feel the warmth of the fire pits, and say hello to someone new. The people around you could become your study partners, your biggest cheerleaders, or even lifelong friends.”