UConn School of Nursing Welcomes Largest Incoming Class with New Tradition
The UConn School of Nursing recently held an orientation for its incoming class of 2029, marking the arrival of its largest cohort to date.Academic advisors, including Abigail Clark, expressed excitement at reconnecting with students they first met during summer orientation and witnessing their early advancement.
“With students whom the advisors and I met at summer orientation and seeing how much they have already grown,” said clark. “Having the entire cohort together for the first time is exciting, and the energy in the room is always palpable. Alongside connecting individually with students, we look forward to guiding our newest cohort as they begin their journey at UConn.”
The orientation featured interactive activities designed to foster connection and goal-setting. Students participated in a Bingo game to meet their peers and contributed to a new School of Nursing tradition: a community art project centered around personal and professional goals.
Each incoming student wrote a goal for their time at uconn on a leaf,which will be incorporated into a collective tree. “Incoming students each received a leaf on which to wriet a personal or professional goal for their time at UConn. The leaves will be assembled into a collective tree, representing both individual development and the impact of shared experiences, peers, and mentors,” explained Clark. “At the class of 2029 commencement, the tree will stand as a symbol of their collective journey and readiness to enter the nursing profession.”
[Image of UConn School of Nursing, class of 2029, at the Weekend of Welcome on August 23. (Coral Aponte/UConn Photo)]
Eight nursing student volunteers supported the orientation, assisting faculty and staff in welcoming the new students. Academic advisors Lindsay Darcy, Catie Grosso, and Nichole Hauser were also present to greet each member of the incoming class.
UConn School of Nursing Dean Dickson highlighted the significance of the growing class size. “This is an exciting time for the UConn School of Nursing,” said dickson. ”Welcoming our largest class to date reflects the growing interest in the nursing profession and the strength of our academic programs. we are proud to support these students as they begin their journey to becoming the next generation of nurses.”
The incoming class will also be among the first to benefit from the School of Nursing’s new building, slated to open in Fall 2026.
