51�ֿ�

The excitement of Move-in Day was in full swing on Friday, Aug. 30, with nearly 200 members of the Mount 51�ֿ� class of 2028 picking up their lanyards and keys before 9 a.m. In a line that stretched around Mary Woolley Circle, families and students eagerly awaited the start of a new adventure. The class of 2028 represents the most selective class in Mount Holyoke’s 187-year history, and, according to Vice President for Enrollment Management Robin Randall (she/her), it is also one of the most diverse.

“You painted your successes, your personalities and your goals vividly for us; all told, we read the files of over 5,000 applicants and made some very challenging decisions between many highly qualified candidates. You’re academically accomplished, intellectually passionate, driven and purposefully engaged outside of the classroom,” Randall said to the class and their families and friends who gathered in Chapin Auditorium during the day. “You also reflect one of Mount Holyoke’s core values in that you are a diverse group. You represent 39 U.S. states and 38 countries. Twenty-two percent of you are first-generation students. Nine of you are posse scholars from Miami, Florida, 19% are international students, 29% are domestic students of color, 21% speak a first language other than English, and a total of 36 different languages are spoken.”

Move-in Day comes with a mixture of emotions, but the common theme this year was readiness.

“Everyone is so nice,” said Kairi Harness ’28 from Dilley, Texas. Harness learned of the College through a first-generation low-income program called “.” “The Fearless First group has been helping me, and Disability Services has been so wonderful and understanding. The weather is very nice for this time of year — it was 105 degrees when I left Texas. This isn’t quite sweater weather, but I’m prepared for snow!”

“[I’m looking forward to] getting used to a whole new community, getting used to college life and figuring out a little bit more about what I want to do in my life,” said Emilia Foley ’28 from Brookline, Mass. “I think that the community here is really one of a kind, and [Mount Holyoke] does have a lot of great resources for career and connections and also what I want to study.”

Cars packed with boxes, containers of clothes and mini refrigerators ready to go lined the streets and parking lots in and around campus. After two and a half months of summer quiet, the buzz of student life was back. In between moving their belongings into residence halls, members of the class of 2028 also took time to pick up their first-year plants, courtesy of the Talcott Greenhouse. Each one will be planted in a new hybrid soil technology designed by Mount Holyoke students.

For some members of the class of 2028, Move-in Day was one of the first times they had ever seen the campus. This was the case for Liliana Gracie Miller Segura ’28, from Sacramento, Calif.

“I’m excited to get to know the campus! I wasn't able to tour before I committed, so this is [only] my second time being on campus. The first time was two days ago. So, I’m just excited to get to know the area and learn about it,” said Miller Segura. “I’m excited to meet my roommate, get to know my actual room and be able to put everything around, sort my stuff out, make sure that I’m fully moved in and see if I’m missing anything so I can pick that up.”

For many families, Move-in Day is the first time that the realization hits: their student is on a college campus and they’re here to stay. But this realization also comes with the elation that their student is in a great place.

“I’m a little sad to see her go but super happy that she found a place where she really feels like she fits and is looking forward to the experience,” said Alan Lehto of Portland, Oreg., of student Geneva Lehto ’28.

“I'm feeling great. It's beautiful. I'm just excited because it's a beautiful campus. I'm excited for her to meet new people and learn new things,” said Tom Hanan of Sugar Land, Texas, of student Audrey Hanan ’28.

After moving items into the residence halls, the families and students came together in Chapin Auditorium for the first time to hear from Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Marcella Runell.

“Today is a spectacular day, simply because you are all here and we are beginning a new chapter together. Most importantly, we want you to know we are here. We are now also an important part of your support team. We want you to succeed,” Runell said. “This is a new chapter and a new beginning. It is a time to try new things, starting today, and there is a huge freedom in this moment. So, I urge you to take advantage of this clean slate and really try to be present for every moment.”

Runell was followed by President Danielle R. Holley who gave her annual welcome address to the class.

“You bring a variety of backgrounds to the Mount Holyoke community. You are from all over the nation and the world, from many different racial, ethnic, religious and gender identities, and from different socioeconomic backgrounds,” Holley said. “You have excelled academically, served your communities and raised your voices for social justice. Even as you come to college, we already know that the class of 2028 is bold and impactful.”

Holley continued her address to the latest cohort of blue lions, “Today, you are joining a legacy that is 187 years in the making. Mount Holyoke was founded on the principle that a student’s gender should not determine the scope or quality of their education. At the time, that was a radical concept.” Holley said, “We continue that legacy today by being the leading gender-diverse women’s college. Simply put, Mount Holyoke students, alums, faculty and staff are too bold for boundaries.”

President Holley closed her address by discussing the legacy and tradition that come with a Mount 51�ֿ� education, and she offered advice for the incoming class.

“You will experience your first tradition this weekend — on Sunday — with the signing of the honor code and your first ‘M&Cs’, also known as milk and cookies. Later this fall — the exact date [is] to be a surprise — we will celebrate our first Mountain Day, when classes are canceled so we can take a break from our studies and enjoy the outdoors to bond with each other,” Holley said.

“Throughout your Mount Holyoke journey, I advise you to reflect on what, to you, would make for a ‘good life’. How can you live your values? How can you develop yourself as a whole person? What good do you want to do in the world? There are things you can do right now to get you started, and that will also make college more meaningful and fun.

“Mount Holyoke is a community of bold leaders, students, faculty and staff. Be bold!”