Kuyper College's Fall 2024 Orientation
As the weather shifts from summer into fall, Kuyper College was abuzz with excitement and anticipation, marking the arrival of its largest incoming class since 2018. The Fall 2024 orientation not only celebrated this significant growth but also set a dynamic tone for the academic year ahead.
This year’s orientation saw a record number of new students, 83, joining the Kuyper community and a campus alive with renewed energy and a palpable sense of optimism. The increase in class size reflects a broader trend of growth and revitalization at the College, underscoring its commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students.
Orientation was run by Emily Perton, Director of Student Success and Work; Alyssa Patton, Student Development Specialist; and Curt Essenburg, Dean of Students and Work. This year’s theme, “Game On,” as Perton noted, not only fostered connection but also introduced a bit of “healthy competition.”
Joining the trio of employees in running orientation was a group of orientation student leaders who Perton said “represented Kuyper’s entire student population, allowing incoming students to feel more connected.”
Throughout orientation, there was a consistent emphasis on “being there”—a powerful call to embrace the full spectrum of the college experience. Perton urged students to lean into their new roles and responsibilities, stressing that real growth occurs when individuals are fully present and actively involved. Her message highlighted the value of being engaged not just academically, but also within the broader campus community.
Perton’s words underscored the Kuyper hallmarks of building connections, participating in campus activities and contributing to the communal spirit that defines the College. She said that being an integral part of the community enriches both personal and collective experiences, setting a foundation for a rewarding and transformative college journey.
As the new academic year unfolds, the hope is that the energy and enthusiasm from orientation will continue shaping a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. The largest class since 2018 not only represents a period of growth for Kuyper College but also symbolizes the promise of a thriving community where students are encouraged to be present, lean into their experiences and actively contribute to the college’s dynamic atmosphere.
