What do Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Cambridge and Stanford all have in common? The obvious connection between these names is, of course, that they are prestigious universities, but they are also the str
By Sydney Syverson
What do Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Cambridge and Stanford all have in common? The obvious connection between these names is, of course, that they are prestigious universities, but they are also the street names that surround the University of Portland.
While that may be the only time in which UP is mentioned alongside those Ivy League schools, the new freshmen, who have come from all over, have each chosen UP as the best place for their transition from high school to adulthood.
Freshman Aaron Ferris, who is from Seattle and majoring in mechanical engineering, admits that his first week of college was a lot different from high school.
"It's nice that you actually have to work and the professors are real," Ferris said. "They won't lie to you. It's going to be hard work and they let you know that right up front."
If the scene outside Franz on Friday for the Students Activities Fair is any indication, this year's freshmen are not only ready for the hard work in the classroom but they are clamoring to become involved on campus as well.
Hundreds of them swarmed the fair hoping to find their place on campus by joining clubs and groups such as College Democrats, club soccer, ASUP and outdoor pursuits, among approximately over 60 other groups.
The fair urges students to become more involved on campus and gives them the opportunity to meet other freshmen and upperclassmen.
Freshman Veronicca Solis, from Colorado and a business major, said she enjoyed the fair because she got to see some new faces and even some upperclassmen.
"Living in Mehling definitely has the possibility of feeling a little closed off, but everyone's really friendly and welcoming especially the upperclassmen," Solis said, "They are always willing to reach out to the freshmen."
Solis chose to attend UP after representatives from the University came to her high school in Denver.
UP has worked to reach out to students from all over the country to try to encourage them to attend the University.
The approximation for the freshman class is that only about 35 percent are from Oregon, and there has been an increase in students from Hawaii and California, according to Dean of Admissions Jason McDonald.
Student Activities has been working non-stop to create activities that interest the students, especially the freshmen.
"The Student Activities Fair is the most quintessential event to get freshmen involved on campus," Student Activities Director Jeromy Koffler said.
"We're working to show freshmen that they can have fun and be involved without the use of alcohol," Koffler said.
Contrary to popular belief, not all UP freshmen live on campus. Freshman Monica Nguyen, from Portland and majoring in biology with a minor in music, admits being a commuter student may make it difficult for her to feel included in campus life.
"I met a lot of new people during classes this week, but I wouldn't say we're all best friends now," Nguyen said. "Hopefully getting involved in some clubs will help me meet people."
Ferris is impressed with the friendliness at UP, and says he chose the University for that reason.
"The University is far enough from the city but is such a tight -knit group of people that it feels like its own little community," he said. "It's probably not right for everyone, but it was the best fit for me."
Freshmen roommates Tessa Voelckers and Casey Gilbert couldn't be happier with the way their college experience has gone so far.
Voelckers is a psychology major from Washington, and Gilbert is a business major from Clackamas.
"UP was what I wanted from the very beginning," Gilbert said. "I never doubted my choice to come here."
But what about those students who did have doubts that UP was the right choice for them?
Often, money talks.
Freshman Vinson Diep, from Hawaii and majoring in biochemistry, was debating between attending UP and University of San Diego.
He said financial aid was the determining factor in his choice.
UP's Director of Financial Aid, Janet Turner said, "Last year the University awarded more than $71 million in financial assistance to students, and approximately 90 percent of students are on some kind of scholarship."
UP offers financial incentives that can make the difference between a student enrolling here or somewhere else.
This year's freshman class includes 21 international students, according to International Student Services.
Lars Malde is from Norway and majoring in engineering management.
He was recruited to run cross country for the university.
Deciding to attend UP was a difficult decision for Malde, because it is so far from home.
His parents urged him to come to UP because it is such a great opportunity for him.
"My first impression was that the campus is so beautiful," he said.
But the beauty has been upstaged by the people.
"Everyone is so welcoming and friendly," Malde said. "I really feel that I've been brought into the community here."
That sense of community coupled with the impressive financial aid is what has brought such a variety of freshmen from all over the world to University of Portland.
