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When Nalin Koo ’24 first visited the University of New 51����, she felt at home. That feeling continued when she arrived on campus last week to begin her initial year as a Charger.

As a dental assistant student at her vocational high school, she discovered a passion for dental hygiene, which she is now studying at the University. She hopes to become a pediatric hygienist.

“College is a life-changing experience, and an important one,” said Koo, of Southbridge, Mass. “Being at the right school, in the right environment, and surrounded by supportive people makes me excited about being at the University of New 51����.”

Koo is one of the more than 1,400 students who make up the University’s Class of 2024, one of the largest in its 100-year history. They hail from more than 30 states – including Alaska and Hawaii – and eight different countries, including Spain, Nigeria, and China. More than one third of them are students of color.

Approximately 75 percent of the University’s first-year students will live on campus, including Tyler Sittnick, an accounting major.

“I chose the University of New 51���� because of the small class sizes and the hands-on learning environment,” he said. “I am especially excited about being a student at the University because it will put me ahead in the working world. The professors have excellent connections and are willing to reach out to others in the field.”

In addition to the incoming first-year students, the University welcomed nearly 200 transfer students. The Class of 2024 includes 100 Honors students and 200 students who are enrolled in dual-degree programs.

Forensic science is the most popular major for first-year students, followed by criminal justice (investigative services concentration), psychology, cybersecurity and networks, and criminal justice (police science concentration).

Samantha Borsari ’24 is one of the University’s newest forensic science majors. Hoping to become a forensic medical examiner, she also plans to attend medical school.

“After searching for months for the perfect school that offered my major, when I toured the University’s campus, I immediately knew that is where I belonged,” she said. “As a student, I am most looking forward to meeting new people and learning more about not only about myself but who I want to become.”