Bellarmine University will welcome its largest freshman class in history at several special events prior to the first day of classes on August 27. Among the activities are "move-in" day, convocation, and "Crossroads," a two-day, off campus orientation for first-time, full-time students.
The "Class of 2011" numbers 564 members, which is a 31 percent increase over last year's class. It also marks the largest freshman class in Bellarmine history. The previous high was 476 students enrolling in the fall of 1967.
In addition to being a large class, this year's freshmen are also academically talented, with an average ACT score of 24.
Other demographics of the class show a nice regional representation. Nearly 200 students are coming from outside Kentucky, and another 200 students are coming from outside Jefferson County.
The events planned to welcome them include "Move-in Day and Community Picnic" on Thursday, Aug. 23, Academic Convocation on Aug. 24 and three different sessions of "Crossroads" (see Web site for more information).
Move-in Day will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a provides a fun way for students to move into their residence halls. Faculty, staff and older students help to physically move in the new students' belongings while music, food and soft drinks are provided. At 4:30 p.m. the Community Picnic will begin in the Quadrangle, and an hour later the Matriculation Book signing will begin. During this annual event, all new students and their families are invited to meet Bellarmine President Dr. Joseph J. McGowan in his office to sign the Matriculation Book.
On Friday, Aug. 24 the annual Academic Convocation will be held, beginning with a Mass at 9 a.m in Knights Hall. The procession for the Convocation Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with a group photo of the Class of 2011 taken immediately after the ceremony in Knights Hall.