Colorado State University President Amy Parsons waves at students attending Convocation in Moby Arena Aug. 22.
This past week, students and faculty at Colorado State University welcomed the newest class of Rams to campus. According to an email sent out by CSU President Amy Parsons, this year’s incoming class — one of the largest in CSU history — comprises 5,400 new students, with a record 3,600 from Colorado.
CSU is not the only university experiencing this trend. Colleges across the nation, such as Saint Mary’s College and York College, are reporting record or near-record incoming classes for fall 2025. The official census for student enrollment this year will be completed in September and released at the October Board of Governors meeting.
“These people will become your classmates, collaborators and maybe even life-long friends. Challenge each other; learn from each other; invest in the relationships that will support you in your college experience and beyond.” -Marion Underwood, CSU provost
Colorado State University’s class of 2029 floods Moby Arena for the annual Convocation event Aug. 24. (Collegian | Lauren Mascardo)
Friday morning, students gathered with their major-specific departments to meet faculty and learn more about their upcoming classes. Alena Newberg, a first-year student in exploratory studies, said she appreciated the chance to connect with others at the meeting.
“I’m in exploratory studies right now,” Newberg said. “We went to the meeting for your major before the convocation, and they forced us to mingle. Even though icebreakers are kind of painful, I enjoyed them because I got to talk to people.”
Immediately following, CSU celebrated the class of 2029 with Convocation in Moby Arena, a historic ceremony that welcomes new students and marks the beginning of their academic journey. Abby Senuick-White, a first-year social work major, was surprised to see just how large her incoming class is.
“It was kind of cool that it was the first time that we were all together as a class and the last time until you graduate,” Senuick-White said. “I didn’t realize how big our class was. It’s the entire auditorium.”
Alongside performances from the CSU Marching Band and spirit squads, speakers included Vice President for Student Affairs Blanche Hughes, Provost Marion Underwood, President Amy Parsons and student leaders Jakye Nunley and Joseph Godshall. In her address, Underwood spoke on the significance of bringing together the class for the first time.
“These people will become your classmates, collaborators and maybe even life-long friends,” Underwood said. “Challenge each other; learn from each other; invest in the relationships that will support you in your college experience and beyond.”
Colorado State University students clap for CSU alumnus Stephen Brackett during his rendition of Eminem’s popular song “Lose Yourself” Aug. 24. (Collegian | Lauren Mascardo)
The week of Convocation, the Ram Welcome program gave students the chance to meet classmates and explore activities. Nunley highlighted this time as an opportunity to connect and collaborate.
“I hope Ram Welcome week has sparked new friendships and excitement,” Nunley said. “Keep building those bonds and keep stepping outside of your comfort zone. That’s where the growth happens.”
The event also featured guest speaker Stephen Brackett, a CSU alumnus who both served as Colorado’s music ambassador and is a member of the alternative hip-hop group Flobots.
“It might seem like an odd message, but I want to highlight the fact that there is an old phrase that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’” Brackett said. “One of the things that will keep you going is as long as you’re not doing it alone.”
Brackett went on to emphasize the importance of finding a support system on campus, noting that community is key to student success.
“You are going through some real things, and when you are trying something new and dangerous, it’s great to have someone at your back saying you’re amazing, even if you’re mediocre,” Brackett said. “How else do we get to amazing?”
After the ceremony, students conveyed a sense of excitement, inspired by the speeches and to start their first year at CSU.
“I really liked the speeches,” Emily Kerley, a first-year animal science major said. “They were really welcoming, and it was nice to hear from the staff.”
“My favorite part was everyone being together and enjoying each other’s time,” Russell Patton, a first-year biomedical sciences major said. “Also seeing our speaker and our president speak as well — to get to know who she is was cool.”
Claire VanDeventer is a third-year student double majoring in political science and economics with a minor in Spanish. She is thrilled for the opportunity to step into the role of news editor for The Collegian in the 2026-27 academic year. The Collegian was the first organization to welcome VanDeventer when she started her freshman year at Colorado State University. Since then, she has developed a passion for telling the stories that often go untold and bringing greater visibility to the people and communities behind the issues making headlines. She has primarily worked on the news desk, focusing on a people-centered approach to reporting, featuring individual experiences and perspectives to examine the broader issues affecting students and residents across campus and the Fort Collins community. Her professional experiences outside of The Collegian include roles within nonprofit organizations, local government, the United States House of Representatives and more, all of which have shaped her academic interests and perspectives on the role of media.Outside of the newsroom, VanDeventer enjoys reading, fitness, spending time with friends and family and experimenting with new coffee recipes and brewing methods. Whether she’s trying new coffee grounds or chasing a story, she is always eager to explore new ideas and experiences. Whether VanDeventer ultimately pursues a full-time career in journalism after CSU remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is the impact The Collegian has had on her collegiate experience. Her time in the newsroom has forever opened her eyes to the power of storytelling, the responsibility of reporting and the importance of giving people a platform for their voices to be heard.
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