Students, including a record number of transfers, join in long-standing traditions as a new chapter begins
August 2025 – Drew University has ushered in a new academic year across the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, and Drew Theological School.
The CLA has welcomed 391 first-year undergraduate students and added a University-record 83 transfer students. The school also continued its long-standing trend of admitting a robust class of international students, and also launched the first cohort of 15 students in the paraprofessional teaching pathway. Also among the newest members of the undergraduate community are 43 visiting and non-degree students.
To begin the semester and carry on traditions, new students were greeted with a throng of helping hands during Move-In Day and spent Orientation exploring campus opportunities, touring downtown Madison, enjoying fun and games at RecFest, and participating in the official Opening of School Ceremony.
“This is now your community—embrace it and bring your unique talents, interests, and experiences to the joyous work of making it even stronger and even better because you are here.,” said President Hilary L. Link, PhD, at the Opening of School Ceremony, greeting the new class of undergraduate students.
“Take these years to discover who you are in the many spaces you will find yourself in,” added Zaire Wright C’27, CLA Student Government president. “Because just when you think you’ve got it all figured out at a liberal arts institution, you are always finding new ways to reinvent yourself to become the productive members of society that you desire to be.”
Drew also welcomed nearly 140 incoming graduate students—including several returning alums—across 14 areas of study. Students, faculty, and staff gathered at a welcome reception to kick off the new academic year and celebrate the newest members of the on-campus graduate community. Drew also welcomed students in numerous students who are joining graduate programs offered in fully-online and hybrid modalities.
Next week, the Theological School will continue its long-standing rite of passage for new students, the Matriculation Service, where students sign the 150-year-old matriculation book. In addition, several graduate student caucuses will host their own opening ceremonies, offering opportunities for community building and celebration as the semester begins.
