Education

Mount’s Class of 2021 Kicks Off College Career

Jul 19, 2017

MSMC ER_Orientation — Freshman orientation Group F enjoyed discovering the many academic opportunities available to them at Mount Saint Mary College at the recent Summer Orientation program. Photo: Dean DiMarzo

NEWBURGH – Hundreds of incoming freshmen recently took the next big step in their academic careers at Mount Saint Mary College’s Summer Orientation 2017.

Over the course of two days on the beautiful Mount campus, the Class of 2021 immersed themselves in academic and student activities and began to forge lasting bonds with their fellow Knights.

More than 400 freshmen from about a dozen states are slated to begin their academic journey at the Mount in August. The college’s nursing program has once again proven popular among the new students, with plenty more aiming for careers in business, education, the natural sciences, and more.

Incoming freshmen discover Mount Saint Mary College’s Dominican heritage at the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary on July 6. Photo: Emily Ricci

Dr. David Kennett, Mount Saint Mary College president, kicked off the festivities by welcoming the freshmen to campus.

He offered some strong academic advice: “All of you on campus will take full advantage of the liberal arts,” said Kennett. “In any profession, the ability to read critically, to write, and to express yourself clearly when speaking will always be a great advantage.”

Kennett also encouraged the students to engage in service activities, both on campus and in the local community. Nearly 80 percent of Mount students volunteer their time for service, he said.

The orientation efforts were spearheaded by the Mount’s Student Affairs office. The college recently welcomed Barbara Mulligan as the new director of Student Activities. Previously, Mulligan served as director of Student Life at the University of LaVerne in California and director of Student Activities at Alliant International University in San Diego.

Joining Mulligan is Rachel McGinty, assistant director of Student Activities. McGinty received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Mount, in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

The Mount offers undergraduate academic programs in many fields, including nursing, business, education, media studies, English, mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, social sciences, and philosophy and religious studies.

Additionally, Mount Saint Mary College’s master’s degree opportunities include options in business, education, and nursing. All three programs carry specialized accreditation.