Fisher Welcomes Class of 2029 to Campus

When Zy-Kerra Carmichael toured St. John Fisher University with her classmates she thought she was simply enjoying a day away from high school. She didn’t know it was setting her on her future academic path. After the tour, she felt that Fisher was the place for her.

“The food? Amazing. The dorms? Beautiful. I just knew. This is my school,” Carmichael said. “Everyone is so positive and makes it seem like home. The vibes were just right.”

Originally from Syracuse, New York, she plans to study at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education, and plans to try out for the cheer team.

Carmichael was one of the 645 students in Fisher’s incoming Class of 2029. Among the largest in Fisher history, the Class is one of the most academically prepared and the most geographically diverse incoming classes to enter the University.

Members of the class arrived at Fisher from 24 different states, Canada, and the Czech Republic. In addition to New York, home for some students include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Connecticut, and as far as Colorado, Arizona, and Puerto Rico.

The top academic majors of interest for the Class are nursing, finance, biology, sport management, and management.

“I have a bunch of nurses in my family, so I hope to continue the legacy,” said nursing major Malania Irons, adding that she’s ready for the next step in her academic journey. “I want excel in my grade point average and be able to understand and grasp what I am learning.”

She hopes to join the Black Student Union and audition for Drastic Measures, continuing the passion for chorus and a cappella that she pursued in high school.

Fisher has also seen a continued demand for housing with nearly 1,500 full-time undergraduates living on campus this fall, including first-year and returning students. 

Honors student Madeline Southwick, from Tupper Lake, New York, moved onto campus with the help of her mom, dad, and two dogs, Bo and Oakley. She is excited to be a member of the inaugural hockey team and create bonds with her teammates.

“I hope to be a team player,” she said. “I’ve always been that way.”

Southwick’s mom, Tracy, took a moment to offer her some words of advice.

“I hope for her to find success and love nursing, and play hockey, and call this home,” she said. “My advice is to ask for help when you need it, try new stuff, and meet people.”

Dante Ruia, from Deansboro, New York, is more than ready to start his collegiate career. He toured several schools throughout New York, but the instant he came to Fisher, it felt like home. A pre-med major, he will dive right into the sciences, taking courses in physics and chemistry. Ruia plans to join the Biology Club and is also a member of the cross country team.

“I want to push myself to the best version of myself I can be,” he said.

Throughout the weekend, Ruia and his fellow Cardinals participated in workshops and small group seminars introducing them to Fisher. On Tuesday, the annual Matriculation Ceremony marked the beginning of their academic journey at the University.

During the ceremony, Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of the University, delivered remarks to Fisher's newest students.

“I hope that Fisher is a place where all of you can truly see yourselves making an impact – where you will be able to grow and flourish and help others to do the same. Get engaged and seek out learning opportunities beyond the classroom,” he said. “Develop relationships with faculty and staff – we are here to partner with and guide you in achieving your educational goals. Set out to form the lifelong friendships that so many of our Fisher alumni continue to enjoy.”

The students also heard from Student Government Association President Brooke Chase, who encouraged the Class of 2029 to take advantage of the many campus resources, get involved on campus, and extend grace-to themselves and to others.

“I encourage you during this time to be patient with yourself, you’re not going to know everything day one, so be prepared to ask questions. Your feelings of both excitement and nervousness are valid and completely normal,” she said. “Give yourself time to adjust and be kind with yourself and others as you transition into this new journey. Before you know it, you’ll find your groove.”