Colorado College’s 2015-2016 academic year is underway. The Tiger family welcomes 586 new members in the Class of 2019 that exemplify outstanding diversity in terms of interests, places of origin, talents, and achievements.
Among the new gang of Tigers are two licensed pilots, the author of a textbook on electrical circuitry, three EMTs, a storm chaser, people who have biked around the world, others who have raised $146,000 for Relay for Life, and one student who developed a pill-sorting robot for Alzheimer’s patients. As a class, they speak 25 different languages, play 17 instruments, and have founded 114 clubs.
Many first-years have already begun to immerse themselves in life at CC. Although they share a common passion for CC, the individuals themselves have a lot to bring to the table.
“I am currently part of an off campus internship with March of Dimes. I am a member of the College Choir, Dance Workshop, Equals, Grow, and ORC,” said Grace Perry of Washington, D.C. “I play Intramural volleyball and am taking a 300-level Spanish adjunct.”
“I am passionate about music and play the violin,” said Allan Zheng of Portland, Ore. My intended major is Environmental Science but right now, I am in Elementary Chinese Language and Culture.”
“I love all sports, including soccer, frisbee, and basketball. I’m on the Ultimate Frisbee team here,” said Shane Eckert, from Seattle, Wash. “I also love to travel. I have been to five continents. My favorite trips were to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos, where I went swimming with penguins and sea lions.”
“I’m part of Kappa, which I love; it’s an immediate family,” said Hailey Dennis of Orange Country, Cali. “ I’m also part of the Dive Team, have a small role in the play Marriage, and am part of the opera. I have run 17 marathons and am interested in philosophy and theatre.”
Despite their plethora of passions outside of CC, a number of first years have found much to enjoy at the College.
“I love the location, and the Block Plan. The Block Plan allows me to put all my energy into one subject. I’m in geology right now and love it,” said Ethan Tanen of Washington D.C. “There is also no hierarchy based on what year you are in. I felt immediately welcomed on campus.”
“All my life, I found subjects I was interested in, but rarely was I allowed the time to really immerse myself,” said Alex Apel of La Jolla, Cali. “Now I can spend my time devoted to a single subject long enough to glean more than just surface information.”
“CC embodies the true purpose of higher education,” said Aaron Alcoulomre of Laguna Beach, Cali. “The small, intimate classes allow for discussion that will make me think like never before.”
“I had this specific image of what a CC person would be like but there are so many different kinds of people,” said Megan Viozzi, from Rochester, Minn. “I am surrounded by interesting, intelligent peers.”
The Class of 2019 comes from around America and the world. Together they bring diversity, energy, and talent to another year at CC.