Incoming students at orientation experienced the energy and supportive atmosphere for which Saint Mary’s College is renowned. The half-day orientation sessions on June 24 and 27 had many of the Class of 2015 saying that fall session can’t start quickly enough. “Everyone was so kind and friendly,” one student says. “I can’t wait until August!”

Each orientation program started with a warm welcome from President Carol Ann Mooney ’72. (Transcript and video of her speech here.) "Coming to Saint Mary’s as a student was one of the best decisions I ever made and I am confident that in no time at all you will feel the same way," she told the students. "I am who I am today because of the time I spent here as a student."

Afterward, new students spoke with advisors and then checked out the dorm rooms that will become their homes. Most important, the incoming students had a chance to meet their outstanding peers, forming early bonds that undoubtedly will grow into lifelong friendships.

“It’s exciting to see these amazing young women arrive on campus and start to see it as their new home,” says Kristin McAndrew, director of admission. “We can begin to imagine what they will achieve as a class when they combine all of their individual talents, interests, and enthusiasm.”

The Class of 2015 is made up of 390 women from 32 U.S. states as well as five countries: Canada, China, Mexico, Rwanda, and Singapore.

Of course, there’s still time for that number of 390 to increase, McAndrew says: “At this time of year, we always hear from a few students who have not yet found a college that feels like the right home and who think Saint Mary's might be a better fit. We are happy to work with them to make Saint Mary's possible.”