Class of 2028 Arrives Home!

The Class of 2028 has arrived at St. John Fisher University, ready to embark on the next stage of their academic journey.

Comprised of 687 students, the Class of 2028 is the largest class in the University’s history. It is also the most academically prepared to enter Fisher and is the institution’s most diverse class to date. Members of the class represent 14 different states, Dubai, Italy, and United Kingdom. Home for some include California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Vermont. The year’s first-year students are interested in pursuing degrees in nursing, biology, sport management, psychology, and marketing/management, among other disciplines. Similar to last year’s entering class, about 89 percent of first-year students will reside on campus.

Buffalo native Hailey Haniszewski was among the first-year students moving in on Saturday. She plans to major in nursing, and is ready to experience the independence that college offers.

“I’m excited to be on my own and prepare for the future,” she said, adding that she’s excited to make new friends, meet her professors, and get involved in campus life.

CJ Lopez, who is majoring in inclusive childhood education, is also looking forward to acclimating to life at Fisher. While he’ll start training as a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams in late fall, in the meantime, he hopes to join a cornhole league.

Throughout the weekend, Haniszewski and Lopez joined the rest of Fisher’s newest Cardinals in workshops and small group seminars introducing them to Fisher. On Tuesday, the annual Matriculation Ceremony marked the beginning of their academic journey at the University before they began classes later that afternoon.

At the ceremony, President Gerard J. Rooney offered his advice to the class.

“I hope that Fisher is a place where all of you can truly see yourselves making an impact – where you will be able to grow and flourish and help others to do the same,” he said. “Get engaged and seek out learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Develop relationships with faculty and staff – we are here to partner with and guide you in achieving your educational goals. Set out to form the lifelong friendships that so many of our Fisher alumni continue to enjoy.”

Junior Brooke Chase, who serves as president of the Student Government Association (SGA), also addressed the students. She encouraged students to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to them, get involved on campus, and give themselves grace during these first few months on campus.

“Give yourself time to adjust and be kind with yourself and others as you transition into this new journey,” she said. “Before you know it, you’ll find your groove.”