With 1,643 new students stepping onto campus this fall, the 2018 first-year class is the biggest in St. Thomas’ history, according to preliminary data from the Office of Student Data, Analytics, and Reporting. This number is up 145 students from last year.

Admissions Director Kristin Hatfield said the class size increased because of a large amount of high school graduates and the University’s recent marketing tactics.

“The mission and the vision of the university is very clear,” Hatfield said. “We’ve got this new branding campaign and students are hearing that, and I think it’s resonating with them.”

Orientation Leader and Welcome Days Leader Aria St. James noted that the class was energetic and excited to be on campus.

“They seem willing to talk and are social and are willing to meet new people,” St. James said. “I was really excited about that.”

In admissions, Hatfield described her process of selecting students for a class as a “science and an art.” She and her team review the files of incoming students and makes the decision of who to admit using yield rates and historical data. After that, it’s up to the admitted student.

“There’s so many factors that play into whether or not students will say yes to us,” Hatfield said.

Those reasons include the atmosphere, location and the variety of programs available for students.

“It’s nice to have a class size that meets the goals or even exceeds the goals of the institution a little bit because it really helps to spread the good news,” said Hatfield. “People understand they come here to get a great education. They get a good job when they’re done, and that’s a key contributor to making them feel confident about choosing St. Thomas.”

Iggy Pham is a first-year student from Shakopee. As a neuroscience major, he chose St. Thomas because of the small class sizes, the environment and the emphasis on Catholic faith.

“Religion is a big part of it,” he said.

Pham participated in the Reaching Excellence in Academic Leadership (REAL) Program over the summer, a highly selective program that allows 16 St. Thomas students to take Theology 101 free of charge and acclimate to campus life.

This year, he has a front-desk job at the career development center and is interested in joining the badminton club.

Jess Schletzer is a first-year student from Plymouth, Minnesota. She plans on double majoring in physics and math. Schletzer said she came to St. Thomas for the location and research opportunities.

“I think at UST you get more in terms of relationships with faculty,” she said.

On campus, Schletzer is a Tommie Ambassador and is involved in her Residence Life Association. She is planning on volunteering to tutor elementary and middle school students.

The class of 2022 includes 28 high school valedictorians, 26 international students and a 3.58 average GPA.

“Every part of the year has kind of its own cycle, so for us to stand and watch every group march through the arches is such a feeling of pride and excitement,” Hatfield said. “This is going to be a really involved and engaged group who really want to live out the mission of St. Thomas.”

Emily Haugen can be reached at haug7231@stthomas.edu.