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BW celebrates exciting new year

Five days of YJ4L pride were on full display as BW welcomed 650 first-year students to campus and capped the festivities with an all-campus "University Welcome" celebration.

photo of students by Strosacker Hall for University Welcome event

It was a fun-filled Week of Welcome for both residential and commuter first-year students. Also joining the BW community for today's first day of classes are 90 transfer students, whose talents and accomplishments bring an impressive addition to campus.

Exceptional Scholars, Athletes, Artists

From the classrooms to the athletic fields and facilities to the stages for performing arts, the Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark. They come from 34 states and have remarkable academic achievements, as well as leadership, service and co-curricular involvement.

Among notable statistics, 21% represent students of color, and approximately 115 are members of the BW Honors Program. One-fourth of the individuals are first-generation students. Their academic areas of interest include business (23%), science and technology (18%), performing arts (17%), social sciences and humanities (16%), health (12%), interdisciplinary (9%) and education (5%).

Sprinkling of Brown & Gold Magic

On Sunday, Aug. 21, BW held its second annual all-campus "University Welcome" at Strosacker Hall. BW students, faculty and staff gathered for a three-hour celebration that kicked off the excitement of a new school year. The combination cookout and student welcome included greetings by student body president Lizzy Cole and vice president Matt Perry.

"Yesterday's welcome event was an opportunity for our campus community to unite and celebrate the start of the new academic year," said BW Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Timeka L. Rashid. "For new students, it is a time to engage in what it means to be a YJ4L - the joy, pride and feeling of meaningful belonging that makes BW an exceptional university. For our returning students, we welcome their return and recognize the energy, enthusiasm and diligence they bring to their studies and their co-curricular experiences.

"Our theme for this year's event is 'Go the Distance,' which reflects the motivational message of perseverance we want to share with students that encourages them to pursue new opportunities and connections to create their sense of belonging. It's going to be a fantastic year, and I look forward to celebrating our phenomenal BW experience together," she added.

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