Western New England University (WNE) held its first in-person Accepted Students Day since 2019. The University hosted students, families, and friends on Sunday, April 3.
The purpose of the event is for accepted students to begin to "Feel the WNE Spirit" and see what it means to be a Golden Bear. University staff, faculty, and current students joined in the celebration with over 500 accepted students. Future Golden Bears were welcomed by Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing Bryan Gross and University President Dr. Robert Johnson in the Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center (CAHLC).
While addressing the audience, Dr. Johnson said this about WNE, "First and foremost, it's a family, it’s kind of like Cheers, it's a place where everybody knows your name. You are joining a family, a community of learners, your generation is part of the greatest generations that the world has ever come to know."
"This is your time and at Western New England University this is the place where you will come to realize your dreams, your goals, and your aspirations; we will prepare you for the future of work. You are part of a generation that will have 17 jobs throughout different industries and three of those industries do not even exist yet. We will teach you how to learn, unlearn, and relearn as a steady state. We will help you to solve problems that have yet to be identified, but most importantly we will help you discover your 'Why,' and to realize your dreams, goals and aspirations," said Dr. Johnson speaking passionately about the essence of what it means to be a Golden Bear.
Throughout the event, accepted students could connect with the WNE outstanding faculty, staff, and current students. They had the opportunity to tour campus and residence halls, attend mock classes, and learn more about different clubs and organizations on campus. During the day, students and families had the chance to get any last-minute questions answered at different sessions. Deposited students were able to take home their own blue & gold Golden Bear Nation hats along with a variety of different treats and goodies.
"This day is really about you, this is about you connecting with everything that is so special and unique about Western New England University and truthfully there has been no better time to be a Golden Bear," said Vice President Gross when he addressed the accepted students. "We are coming off last year, our second largest class in the history of the university, and one of our most academically qualified and diverse classes in history. This year you are among 6,500 students who have applied to Western New England University, so congratulations on your acceptance today."
"Honestly it has been amazing coming from California and attending this event," said Kendall Branchuad a committed accepted student from San Leandro, CA. "I was a little nervous about meeting people and kind of feeling part of the environment and culture of the school but I was able to make a lot of friends today."
The event ended with students learning more about the different extracurricular opportunities the University offers. The students were able to walk around the Expo Hall in the CAHLC. They were able to ask current students questions about their experience and learn more about the opportunities that students are given to grow as professionals. Students left the day feeling a part of the Golden Bear family!
