The Newest Bulldogs Have Joined the Pack – Welcome Class of 2029!

Campus is alive again with students and faculty, and we’re energized by the start of a new year. We officially welcomed the Class of 2029 to the Dean community with a formal matriculation ceremony and a full weekend of activities, from icebreakers and games to late-night hangouts, which provided them with opportunities to meet new friends and begin to feel at home. From move-in day to their first day of classes, our 360 new Bulldogs are off to a strong start.

Move-In Memories

There’s nothing quite like the first day of college. Cars lined our campus streets, families unloaded duffel bags and boxes, and the excitement (along with a few happy tears) filled the air. Dean staff and returning students were everywhere – helping to carry a load up three flights of stairs, offering directions, and easing the nerves of both students and their families.

With 94% of the incoming class living on campus, students are already experiencing all that Dean has to offer, including an unlimited dining plan, 16 Division III athletic teams, a dozen performing arts productions, and 40 different student organizations waiting to welcome new members.

Building Belonging

The first weekend on campus, known as Bulldog Beginnings, is all about connection. New students meet their advisors, staff, faculty, and classmates while diving into activities designed to spark friendships and Bulldog pride. Some of the fun included a silent disco, an involvement fair, lawn games, a trivia brunch, a movie night, a bash in Dean’s on-campus hotspot, Boomer’s, and off-campus trips to Boston and local shopping centers. Some of our Bulldogs even attended the Dean men’s and women’s soccer games.

As Dave Drucker, Dean of Students, said, “Welcoming the Class of 2029 to campus has been such a joy. They’ve already shown so much enthusiasm and curiosity, and it’s clear they’re ready to make the most of everything Dean has to offer. This class is going to do great things.”

A Community That Welcomes All

One of the many things that makes Dean distinctive is how quickly a diverse class becomes part of a close-knit community. This year, students arrived from 9 countries and 26 states, and 40% are the first in their families to attend college.

“Seeing students from so many diverse backgrounds come together at Dean is inspiring. What makes our community unique is how quickly those differences turn into connections and students find common ground, building lasting friendships well beyond their time here,” reflected Myra Traylor, Dean’s Associate Director of Admissions, Multicultural and International Recruitment.

Welcome Class of 2029! We can’t wait to see all you’ll do at Dean in the years ahead.