POSSIBILITIES

FIRST-YEAR FUEL

Energy. This year’s freshman class exudes it. When they arrived in the fall, you could almost feel it on campus. One senior told me that this group of students seems to have escaped the “fog of COVID.” They are involved: creating new clubs, engaging with faculty and seeking leadership opportunities.

And—they are here in larger numbers. This year’s class shows an increase of 94 students from the prior year. We also are enjoying a resurgence of international students on campus, with undergraduates from 10 different countries. All signs point to a return to pre-pandemic enrollment.

We did not, however, achieve this growth by chance. Our board, faculty and staff worked enormously hard to change every facet of how we recruit LaGrange students. We are employing text messaging, relationship-management software and targeted digital advertising.

While we still have two prior anemic COVID-inspired cohorts, it is exciting to feel the energy of a growing campus and the energizing hope that it brings.

At this most hopeful time of year, thank you for being part of this progress as we work to fulfill our mission to challenge the minds and inspire the souls of our students.