Four day-long Orientation sessions for the Class of 2029 took place on Tuesday, June 17, Wednesday, June 18, Monday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Led by 64 New Student Leaders (NSLs), Orientation provides an opportunity for students and their family members to become acquainted with Fairfield University before Move-in Day on August 29. At this summer’s Orientation, the University welcomed a historic class that achieved a record-setting admission cycle.
To kick off each day, students and guests attended the University Welcome at the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. Dean of Students William H. Johnson, PhD, made an unforgettable first impression, dancing up to the podium to the tune of an OutKast song—a shout-out to his favorite hip-hop group. “Allow yourself to be transformed,” said Dr. Johnson, inviting students to embrace the exciting four years of exploration that lie ahead. Among the other introductions were Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry; Provost Christine Siegel, PhD; and Casey Murray, associate director of transition and retention. To conclude the welcome, President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, formally introduced himself to the Class of 2029.
Following the University Welcome, students attended separate Dean's Welcomes at their respective schools or college. The School of Education and Human Development participated in its first undergraduate Orientation, welcoming students into the newly introduced four-year undergraduate program in Curriculum and Instruction.
Rain dampened the first two sessions and a heat wave scorched the final two, but thanks to the high energy and enthusiasm of the NSLs, not a single moment fell flat.
Caroline Heaney ’27, a rising junior nursing major, was an NSL last year and is now one of the development interns for Team 29. “I hope to impact first-year students attending orientation by being a role model and resource for them," said Heaney. "As New Student Leaders, we hope to ease their concerns about starting college and be a person for them to feel comfortable reaching out to because we know that every student’s transition is different.”
Reflecting on her first year directing Orientation, Casey Murray spoke on the significance of this day-long event for incoming students. “Building community and connection starts at Orientation," she said, "and even though students may not become best friends with the first student they meet at Orientation, it is their initial glimpse into life at Fairfield and hopefully, they start to see that they can make a home here.”
Highlights from the Class of 2029 Orientation
