Class of 2010: A composite

Members of the Class of 2010 gather in Harris during orientation. Photo by Vincent Scarano

This year’s 494 freshmen have a wide range of talents, blending diverse backgrounds and interests, according to Dean of Admission Martha Merrill. She welcomed the Class of 2010 and described some of the students’ accomplishments during the President’s Assembly on Aug. 26.

There are two volunteer firemen, a fire twirler and a didgeridoo player. The class has several break dancers, a belly dancer, a Balkan dancer and a Chinese lion dancer.

The freshmen include several outstanding athletes, with a nationally ranked cyclist, figure skater, swimmer and squash player on the class roster.

There is a member of the national championship ultimate Frisbee team and a ping pong master.

Scientists in the class have conducted research on topics ranging from environmental, such as moose behavior and old forest ecosystems or bird-banding, to heath issues, like asthma care.

One student was the leader in the national invention competition. A diverse group, class members come from Puerto Rico and 33 states as well as 20 countries, including Australia, Burkina Faso, China, Colombia, Jordan, Maldives, Nepal, Switzerland, Turkey, Venezuela and Georgia. Nearly 20 languages are spoken in students’ homes, including Mandarin, Portuguese, Urdu, Russian, Vietnamese and Arabic.

Many students are devoted to service. One produced a bilingual public access TV program for children in New London while another raised more than $4,000 for a Russian orphanage by creating a calendar of artwork. Many assisted with Hurricane Katrina relief projects and a large number were recycling coordinators at their high schools.

The class has many Eagle Scouts, but only one was among the 10 percent of scouts in the U.S. to receive the Arrow of Light Award — the highest honor in scouting.  

Help recruit members of the Class of 2011. Sign up for the Camel Alumni Admission Program (CAAP) and talk to prospective students about your CC experience.