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Event at Kuhne Auditorium celebrates belonging, community, and support for Class of 2029

�㽶�� formally welcomed its newest cohort of first-generation students and Jacobs Scholars during the annual Connect2�㽶�� Launching on Aug. 19 in Kuhne Auditorium, celebrating their place in the Blue Hose family with an afternoon of community, encouragement, and tradition.

The event marked the official launch of the academic journey for these students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college or who have experienced foster care. Faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and upperclass peer mentors joined to affirm their commitment to supporting the incoming Class of 2029.

A Transformative Journey Begins

Tomeika Bennett, director of Presby First+, the program that supports first-generation students at �㽶��, told students they are stepping into a transformative experience that will shape them far beyond academics.

“We know that it will go by pretty quickly, but while you’re here, we hope that you truly will be a part of a very transformative experience,” Bennett said.

Bennett guided students and their families through the day’s schedule, which included breakout sessions tailored for both students and their parents or supporters. These smaller group sessions allowed participants to ask questions, learn more about resources, and hear from campus leaders about what lies ahead.

Following the welcome, students and their families took part in the Launching Ceremony, a symbolic exchange marking the transition from home to college life. Each student signed their name to affirm their place at �㽶��, with college president Dr. Anita Gustafson greeting each of them personally.

‘Once You’re a Blue Hose, You’re Always a Blue Hose‘

In her remarks, Dr. Gustafson emphasized both the unique tradition and the enduring sense of belonging that comes with becoming part of the Blue Hose family.

“Once you’re a Blue Hose, you’re always a Blue Hose,” Gustafson said, tracing the nickname back more than a century to a time when teams were often referred to by their stocking colors, much like the White Sox or Red Sox.

But more important than the nickname, she told students, is knowing they have truly earned their place at �㽶��.

“The thing I would want you to know more than anything is you belong here,” she said. “Whenever you feel a little tenuous, just remember that—you’ve earned it, and you belong.”

As a former history professor, Gustafson also offered practical advice for academic and personal success: be curious, ask questions, stay organized, and find mentors among �㽶��’s faculty and staff.

“You’re here to learn, and curiosity just kind of opens you up to growing,” she said. “Your advisors and professors are here to help guide you. And remember—academics come first, but be sure to get involved and enjoy your time here.”

Authenticity and Empathy

Dr. Selena Blair, Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice and Community Wellbeing, connected with the audience through humor, personal storytelling, and empathy—particularly toward parents experiencing the bittersweet milestone of sending a child to college.

“I empathize with you,” she said. “I cried the night before move-in. They thought I was taking a shower, but I was just letting the water run while I cried”.

Blair encouraged parents to trust that they had given their children what they need to thrive, while reminding students to show patience with their families adjusting to the change.

“Parents, we’ve spent anywhere from 16 to 18 years preparing them to fly,” she said. “Students, have a little grace with us—it’s going to be different when we get back to our houses and you’re not there.”

Blair also underscored that �㽶��’s peer mentors—upperclass first-generation students who guide new students throughout their first semester—will provide continued support.

“We don’t go away,” she said with a smile. “We’re like magnets. We will be here with you on this journey.”

Support for Jacobs Scholars

Dr. Barbara Beeks, director of the Jacobs Scholars Program, highlighted the unique needs and strengths of students who have experienced foster care.

“The Jacobs Scholars Program is a scholarship for students who have been impacted by foster care,” Beeks explained. “This is our third year, and the students are doing awesome. We are so proud of them and so happy with the new cohort that’s coming in”.

Beeks noted that the program offers wraparound services designed to provide whatever is needed to help Jacobs Scholars succeed, from academic support to personal guidance.

“I promise you we’re going to take really good care of them,” she said. “If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me any time. My students will tell you—I’m always available.”

A Network of Champions

In her additional remarks, Bennett orchestrated an interactive moment to demonstrate the web of support surrounding the students. She asked groups across the auditorium to stand—faculty, staff, peers, alumni, and parents or supporters—reminding students that they are never alone.

“Faculty are not here to simply teach you. They will walk with you, challenge you, welcome your questions, and grow with you,” Bennett said.

She told students to look around and remember the faces in the room: “They are your champions. They believe in you.”

Bennett concluded with a charge to the incoming class: “What begins here is not only an education, but a journey of becoming. Take ownership of your journey. Ask questions. Try bravely. Fail forward. Become who you are meant to be.”

Orientation and Beyond

The Connect2�㽶�� Launching capped a series of early orientation activities designed to prepare first-generation students and Jacobs Scholars for success at �㽶��. In addition to the welcome event and breakout sessions, students participated in several days of programming that included workshops, social events, and opportunities to build connections with peers, faculty, and mentors.

Upperclass first-generation students serving as peer mentors were central to these activities, helping new students adjust to campus life and offering advice drawn from their own experiences.

A Family Effort

Throughout the day, speakers emphasized that student success at �㽶�� is the product of a partnership between students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families. The event celebrated not only the accomplishments of the incoming class but also the trust placed in the college community by parents and supporters.

As Gustafson reminded the new Blue Hose: “Have fun, I’m so happy you’re here—welcome to �㽶��, and go Blue Hose.”