Kenyon Welcomes Class of 2017
From Kenyon News - August 22, 2013
A U.S. presidential campaign intern, an anti-bullying activist, a private pilot, and several self-identified “nerdfighters” are among the 484 members of the Class of 2017 joining the Kenyon community this weekend. The largest class in Kenyon’s history, plus 13 transfer students, will be welcomed at opening Convocation on Sunday, August 25.
“We are pleased to admit so many qualified students from our most talented applicant pool to date,” Jennifer Delahunty, dean of admissions and financial aid, said. Noting the students’ breadth of experiences and interests, she added, “We always say there is no typical Kenyon student, and this class proves it.”
Of the incoming class, 92 students identify as domestic students of color—a Kenyon milestone—and 67 students are international, including two dozen non-U.S. citizens. Expanding its global reach, Kenyon enrolled students from countries in every hemisphere, including Brazil, Burma, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Jordan, Nigeria, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Zambia. “They have traveled very different paths to get to here,” Delahunty said.
Young men and women from Ohio continue to represent the highest number—67—of enrolled students. This year, New York is second in rank with 62 members of the incoming class while California is home to 51. Kenyon welcomed a record number of legacy students, with 71 Lords and Ladies attending as the children, grandchildren, or siblings of alumni.
An academically accomplished group, 44 percent of those reporting GPAs achieved an average of 4.0 or higher. They completed an average of 4.6 Advanced Placement courses and more than 4 units of science, with 64 percent studying calculus.
Members of the Class of 2017 will start arriving on campus on Saturday, August 24, at 2:30 p.m. Following move-in and dinner, a reception will be held for new students and their families at 8 p.m. in Gund Gallery.
Kenyon opens its 190th academic year at Convocation on Sunday, August 25, at 1:30 p.m., on the lawn of Samuel Mather Science Hall. First-year and transfer students will process down Middle Path to attend the opening ceremony, where President Sean Decatur will deliver his first remarks to the Class of 2017. A reception will follow at Cromwell Cottage.
A complete schedule for Orientation Weekend is available online.