Santa Clara’s Class of 2027 Gets Involved

“The beginning of your career starts at the edge of your comfort zone,” said Dr. Tonya Nilsson, the Vice Chair and a Senior Lecturer for the Department of Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering.

Just two days before the official start of the class of 2027’s college experience, Nilsson and Peer Educators kicked off Engineering Welcome Night on Sept. 19 with 150 first-years in attendance.

Engineering Welcome Night is hosted every year to give incoming first-years an opportunity to meet their peer advisors and classmates. This year's event featured light refreshments and icebreaker activities, including a mock game of Minute to Win It. These activities encouraged students to ease their transition to college life and classes by developing a network early.

“I realized at a young age it is really good to make connections early,” said first-year Katie Usher. “I really like all the people I met so far, and everyone I talked to seemed really happy here.”

The Involvement Fair, an event with a much broader scope, was hosted two days later on Sept. 21. First-years – and many other students – with a diverse array of interests, ready to partake in Santa Clara's Unique club offerings.

“I found out there’s a rock climbing club,” said undeclared first-year Naomi Wiesen. “I think it’s really easy to make friends and start integrating yourself within the community when you’re in clubs.”

Some first-years, like Civil Engineering major Steven LaGrange, see Santa Clara as their opportunity to grow from a clean slate.

“Obviously, being a freshman, it’s a new start,” LaGrange said. “The clubs are a great opportunity to grow and meet new people, especially for a freshman like me. Meeting new friends, going to sporting games, the college life – it’s all pretty exciting.”

Santa Clara’s class of 2027, composed of 1,568 students, is the second largest in the school’s history. First-years are encouraged to get involved as campus organizations continue to host events geared towards the class of 2027 throughout the quarter, including a First Year Olympics at the end of the month.