‘You deserve to be here’

Clark University President David Fithian ’87 greeted the Class of 2028 by urging them to get engaged in pursuing the academic experience they want to have and becoming the person they want to be during their college years.

“It’s important to take an active role in creating your life here and not just let things happen around you,” he said during his welcome remarks to first-year students and their families inside the Kneller Center. “Tell your story. You will help shape those around you, and you, in turn, will be shaped if you listen to the stories of others.”

He encouraged the students to express themselves freely, but also be attentive to the perspectives of others.

“If we expect to be heard, we must also demonstrate a willingness to listen,” he said.

The Class of 2028 arrived on campus for their first day, settling into their residence hall rooms, meeting their roommates, and adjusting to life as the newest Clarkies.

They’ve brought with them a wide array of passions and talents, from filmmaking to figure skating.

The 531 newest Clarkies include a competitive Rubik’s Cube speedcuber, philanthropists, and several award-winners.

An incoming student co-founded a nonprofit called Shoeless Ones, which provides athletic shoes to children in underserved communities, earning the Billie Jean King Award for Youth Leadership. Another launched CRPS Strong, a nonprofit that spreads awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and raises money for research and clinical trials.

The new class also includes a winner from their state’s National History Day program, a U.S. figure skating national showcase medalist, an honorable mention finalist in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, and a student who received UNICEF funding for a film project.

First-year and transfer students hail from around the world, representing 31 countries and 34 U.S. states. International students make up 8.4% of the incoming student body, many of whom are coming to Worcester from India, Vietnam, Nepal, and Ethiopia. About 33% of Clark’s newest domestic students are people of color.

In total, 17.6% of the new Clarkies are first-generation college students, which the University defines as students whose parents or guardians did not complete a bachelor’s degree.

At today’s event in the Kneller, Ashley Valois ’25, Clark’s Undergraduate Student Council president and a political science major, described the mix of emotions she felt on her own move-in day three years prior when she traveled 5,000 miles from her home to Clark.

“You aren’t alone,” she said. “At Clark, there is a village of people rooting for you, professors and friends you don’t even know yet.”

She encouraged the new class to acknowledge what they’ve already accomplished.

“Moving in isn’t easy, especially moving yourself all the way up to the third floor without an elevator,” she said, drawing laughs from students and families.

“You’ve gone through a global pandemic, the college application process, FASFA, and so much more, so pat yourself on the back. You have fought tooth and nail to be sitting in these seats. You deserve to be here.”

Kamala Kiem, associate provost for student success and dean of students, remarked that Clark prepares its students to be problem-solvers.

“I’ve come to realize that when you’re walking on the path that you’re meant to walk on, no challenge is insurmountable,” she said. “This is what we want for our students: to find their path, their purpose, get a good job — hopefully a well-paying one that brings them joy.”

Danielle Morgan Acosta, senior associate dean for student success, reassured the newest Clarkies that the campus has a culture of support.

“You will come to find, if you haven’t already, that Clark is created to nurture and engage every part of your journey. We welcome you, we know you belong, and we’re excited for the potential that the next four years, or five years, offers you,” she said.

“Orientation is just the beginning of this incredible transition.”

Photos by Steven King, university photographer, and Natalie Hoang ’25