New Students Settle Into Their Mountain Home

New Students Settle Into Their Mountain Home Community Welcomes First Years, Transfers

In August, Mount St. Mary’s officially welcomed more than 430 members of the Class of 2020 and 30 transfer students during move-in and orientation weekend. First year students hail from 283 high schools in 25 states. Individuals include a competitive figure skater, the Pennsylvania Softball Player of the Year, a student who speaks five languages, and a legacy student who is now one of more than 20 Mounties in her family. The Class of 2020 also continues the Mount’s rich history of service and community engagement—10 Eagle Scouts and 34 student government presidents and vice presidents are among the new class. In his narrative of the new class, Michael Post, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs, described the freshman class as highly motivated and engaged. “We are very much looking forward to seeing the great things our new students will do at the Mount,” Post said. During their first month on the mountain, new students enjoyed several special events and activities. On their first night, students were treated to Freshman Frenzy, a late night outdoor event featuring live music, carnival rides, laser tag, and a gourmet pizza truck. They also attended performances by hypnotist Michael C. Anthony, Last Comic Standing semi-finalist Dan Cummins, and Phenomenon-winning illusionist Mike Super. According to Joe Enste Jr., director of campus activities and Student Leadership, beginning of the year activities are essential to helping Mounties settle into their new home. “Activities help the new students build community and find ways to get involved,” Enste explained. “The more involved they are, the better they will adjust and the more well-rounded they will be.” Other traditions included the annual Crab Feast and Tiki Dance, AMPlify—an outdoor music festival that included performances by RDGLDGRN and PUBLIC—paintball, mini-golf excursions, and bus trips to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Six Flags Great Adventure. “I’ve already met a lot of people and new friends and I’m looking into clubs and sports,” said Rio Greenshields, C’20, a student from New Jersey. “I chose the Mount because it feels like home.”

COUNTRIES 13 The Class of 2020 comes from around the globe, including 13 COUNTRIES and 25 STATES.

The majority of students come from…

STATES 25

51% 14% 10%

MARYLAND PENNSYLVANIA NEW JERSEY

With an average 3.4 GPA, students are ready to tackle challenges in the classroom AND in real world careers – top majors include BUSINESS, BIOLOGY, and ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. Nearly 8% of the class was a student government president or vice president in high school. Another 10 students were Eagle Scouts. The Mount’s newest students are ACADEMICS and LEADERS! 8% 3 . 4 A V E R A G E G P A Business Biology Elementary Education MAJORS TOP