Class of 2027 Arrives on Rindge Campus as Franklin Pierce’s Newest Ravens
Aug 26, 2023
Students and their families lined up in their vehicles down University Drive long before the official start of move-in at 9:00 a.m. As they checked in, President Kim Mooney ’83, with the assistance of FPU’s peer leaders and student-athletes, greeted the newest members of Raven Nation.
“This has been the best move-in process on the face of the earth,” shared Steve Smith, father of Dylan Smith ’27 of Wallingford, CT. “It was so easy for us as parents and the students who welcomed us were fantastic.”
The 301 newest Ravens, including freshmen and transfer students, come from diverse backgrounds and academic interests. The top three declared majors are health sciences, criminal justice, and sports and recreation management, highlighting Franklin Pierce’s reputation as a destination institution for those looking to study in these growing fields.
Katie Tuetin ’27 of Chesterfield, N.H. arrived on campus with her mom, Laurie, an alumna of the Class of 1999. “I wanted to keep the family tradition alive,” said Katie, who was also excited to be close to home.
Franklin Pierce prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive community, where everyone feels like they belong. Parents of the newest FPU class agree, with one commenting that the campus was their son’s “new home.”
Ella Dunn of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, echoed that sentiment. A women’s ice hockey, she “fell in love with the Rindge Campus after a visit in February.”
Following move-in and lunch, President Kim Mooney ’83 addressed the Class of 2027 and their families under the large orientation tent on Cheshire Field. “We understand and embrace the awesome responsibility not only to help shape your students’ lives while they are at Franklin Pierce,” emphasized President Mooney, “but to foster in them the personal goals and character that will shape their futures.”
Recalling her freshman move-in experience when she arrived at Franklin Pierce in 1979, Mooney shared how the hopes and dreams her parents had for her then are not that different than those of today’s parents.
“My parents wanted me to be happy, to study and do well in my classes; to make friends; and yes, to graduate from Franklin Pierce and then pursue a career and be successful, whatever that would be for me. You want what my parents wanted for me and you and your students deserve nothing less.”
Returning students will move in on Sunday and Monday. Classes will begin on Tuesday, August 29.
