Class of 2026 Arrives on Campus

On Saturday, Sept. 3, St. John Fisher University welcomed the largest first-year class in the institution’s history to campus. The Class of 2026 is also the inaugural incoming class of the newly named St. John Fisher University.

In true Fisher fashion, nearly 650 students arrived to a fanfare of current students welcoming them with signs, pom poms, and cheers. In addition to being the largest class to ever enroll at the University, the Class of 2026 is also the most diverse, and hail from 17 different states and Guam, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Vermont. And of course, New York.

Nearly 87 percent of the class is residing on campus, and amid the mini refrigerators, bins full of clothing, and bags stocked with supplies, parents and family members offered words of advice as their Cardinals settled into their new nests.

First-year student Daniel Delaney with his dad, Michael.

Michael Delaney moved his son, Daniel, into Murphy Hall. A native of Albany, New York, Daniel intends to major in a business-related discipline and play for the men’s lacrosse team. Michael hopes his son keeps the values of honesty and integrity top of mind, and remembers that he is a scholar first.

“It’s about the commitment to the big picture,” Michael said. “As long as he keeps those perspectives in mind, life will be good for him.”

Patrick DiNardo is a member of the Class of 1974. A commuter during his time at Fisher, he’s happy to see his daughter, Savannah, live on campus. His advice?

“Have fun, but not too much fun,” he joked.

For Daniel, Savannah, and their fellow classmates, the fun began Saturday afternoon with the official Orientation program. Throughout the weekend, these new Cardinals will participate in workshops and small group seminars introducing them to Fisher. On Tuesday, the annual Matriculation Ceremony will mark the beginning of their academic journey at the University.