On June 22, during the fifth of six Orientation sessions this month, Quinnipiac’s Office of Belonging information table was a key stop for many incoming students and families at the Resource Fair.

Committed to the concept that excellence begins with belonging, the Office of Belonging staff works to ensure every member of the Bobcat family feels seen, valued and empowered. Chief Belonging Officer John Armendariz said his dedicated team is there to support students throughout their Quinnipiac journey and foster a vibrant, welcoming community where all Bobcats can thrive.

“At our table today, much of what we’re discussing with students and their families is how the Office of Belonging can help them to find connections and community to be themselves at Quinnipiac,” Armendariz said. “It’s been great connecting with parents because they want to make sure their student finds community, and so they really like the idea that we exist to do that.”

“This is my second son who’s going to college, and while Orientations are similar, every school has its own flavor, so I want to see what Quinnipiac has to offer in that sense,” said dad Lester Rodriguez Sr. “When we first walked onto the campus, I felt like the first impression was very good. It seems like a culture that he would thrive in.” 

His son, Lester Rodriguez ’30 is entering a 3+1 accelerated dual degree program to complete his bachelor’s degree and earn a master’s degree in Applied AI and Business Analytics in four years.

“I really appreciate everything Quinnipiac has to offer and I feel it’s going to be best for me and my future,” said Rodriguez. “I really like Quinnipiac’s location, how the school looks and how people who gravitated toward the school seem to be. At Orientation, I want to learn some of the foundation of everything I have to be doing when coming here, but I also definitely want to make new friends and talk to a lot of different people.”

Emily Wallrich ‘30 of Buffalo, New York plans to study economics and said she was looking forward to meeting other Class of 2030 members during Orientation. She also likes to hike, which makes having Sleeping Giant State Park right next door to her new academic home a bonus.

“I came for Admitted Students Day and I really liked the school and the campus, which is really pretty. At Orientation, I want to meet a lot of people,” Wallrich said.

Dad George Wallrich said he wanted to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about Quinnipiac and joining the Bobcat family during Orientation’s optional parent and family programming offered on the first day.

“We’re here for our daughter and for mom and dad to get the lay of the land — what she should expect and also what mom and dad should expect, as well,” said Wallrich. 
As a graduate assistant and former Orientation student coordinator and leader, Grace Pfalzgraf ’26, MBA ’27 has a high-level view of how new Bobcats are supported by their experienced Quinnipiac peers at Orientation.

“Orientation can be such a daunting experience — you’re in a brand-new environment, there’s a lot of people and there’s a lot going on,” Pfalzgraf said. “So, we’ve really worked with the Orientation leaders to make sure that they can help students feel comfortable, confident and excited to be here.”

Beyond Orientation, each August, the Office of Belonging’s First Year Immersion (FYI) program, held ten days before the start of the fall semester, deepens opportunities for students from traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups to have a successful transition with resources, community and experiences.

Director of Belonging Claude Mayo said feedback from Orientation is showing that many parents and students are excited to learn about the FYI program.

“We’re getting a lot of eagerness to be here and get involved quickly. There’s a lot of interest in First Year Immersion because students get to come in early and embrace the campus. They meet a lot of administrators and get to know more about the departments and resources on campus. So they start out with friends and connections and knowing the resources,” said Mayo.

The Office of Belonging also oversees Bobcat Academy, a program designed to support the first-year transition, especially for underrepresented students and first-generation college students. The year-long program builds community and supports academic and personal growth by connecting new Bobcats with fellow students, advisers and university staff. Another program, Quinnipiac Enriching Student Transitions (QUEST) eases the transition for underrepresented groups including students of color, first-generation college students and international students, by offering peer mentoring as well as a faculty/staff mentor during the critical first year.

“QUEST students really find belonging because they have a peer friend as well as an administrative friend right off the bat,” said Mayo.

The Office of Belonging is also dedicated to creating connections with programs supporting commuters, transfer students and first-generation college students.

“We’re really shining the light on some of the populations that feed into who we are,” Mayo said. “Almost a quarter of our incoming class is first-generation. We want those students to know that we’re here for them. They’re not expected to navigate it by themselves.”

In his remarks to parents and families at Orientation, Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett spoke to the remarkable number of first-generation students among the Class of 2030.

“I’m a first-generation college student, and I will note that this year we have over 500 in our first-year class who identify as first-generation college students — the largest we’ve had in quite some time,” Ellett said. “It means a number of students here may not have brothers or sisters or parents go to college and may not know all about this process. We are here to help and honor all of our students.”

The Duncan family of Lynn, Massachusetts is brand-new the college experience. McKenna Duncan ’30 is the first among her siblings to attend college. At Orientation, she said she planned to learn more about different areas of study she can pursue and also hoped the experience would help her to start building connections and a sense of belonging.

“One of the reasons I came to Orientation is because I want to meet new people and because I want see what it’s like being here,” said Duncan.

“It’s very exciting and a little nerve-wracking,” added her mom, Marianne Duncan. “I think the opportunity for her to have this experience with Orientation will help her to get excited to come here in August and to look forward to it.”

In her Orientation Opening Ceremony remarks, Hannah Cranston, senior director for campus life, shares that the experience will provide the tools, resources and connections to give students a great start. Cranston also shares a boost of assurance some families and students may need to hear.

“Rest assured your students are in excellent hands. We have an exceptional group of current student leaders who will take great care of them,” said Cranston.

In her welcoming remarks, Monique Drucker, vice president and dean of students, encouraged new Bobcats to deepen their sense of belonging during their time at Quinnipiac by getting involved and contributing to the university’s culture and community.

“Belonging is not simply something that you find. It is something that you help to create,” Drucker said.