"There has never been a better time to come to Bryant University," President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., told the first cohort of Class of 2029 students arriving for New Student Orientation on June 12. Gittell was referring to the school's rising national reputation and the fact that Bryant is among the country's top 1 percent of universities for return on investment, but he also could have been talking about the glorious late-spring weather that treated visitors to a campus at the peak of beauty.

Hundreds of new students and their families streamed into sunny Smithfield for a full day of activities designed to familiarize them with their classes, professors, fellow students, and — not least of all — the activities and food awaiting them on campus. 

From instructor-led sessions on classroom expectations to team-building games that created bonds between future classmates, Orientation began the process of building new Bulldogs. Meanwhile, family members had the opportunity to chat with upperclassman about their academic and social experiences, learn from experts about the resources available on campus, and absorb the environment where their sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and loved ones will be spending the next four years.

Laura Field, director of New Student Programs, said Bryant's record enrollment for Fall 2025 presented some logistical challenges for Orientation but was a good kind of problem to have. "We're figuring out how we can make sure they all still feel like they're getting that one-on-one attention, they're getting connected with each other, and not feeling like they're one of 1,100 students," she said. "There's a huge community here to support them."

Here are some scenes from New Student Orientation:

Orientation leader Matt Vicenti '27, '28MBA greeted new students arriving for the Academic and Resource Fair, their first stop on New Student Orientation Day. "I'm a person who likes to talk to people: I like to meet and greet, so I'm in my element here," said Vicenti, who talked up 4MILE and other extracurricular programs he's taken part in. "I love Bryant because I feel like I'm a part of the community, and here I can help other people become a part of that community," he said.

Marketing Professor Michael Gravier, Ph.D., spoke with William Peña '29 and his mother, Stephany Ross Peña of Lynn, Massachusetts, about Bryant's Marketing program. "I chose Bryant mainly because of the ROI; it's really going to help me in my life and to become successful," said William, who intends to major in Accounting and Finance (although he said Gravier persuaded him to consider the Marketing program, as well). As a parent, Stephany said she liked the personalized attention from faculty and the serenity of the Smithfield campus. "We come from the city, so it's really busy," she said. "This feels more peaceful, and I like that he chose a smaller school."

Members of the Class of 2029 chat with Psychology Professor and School of Health and Behavioral Sciences Associate Director Joseph Trunzo, Ph.D., during the Academic Resource Fair. The event offered students and parents the opportunity to interact with faculty; representatives from Bryant's School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Business were on hand to answer questions and provide advice. 

Bryant made friends out of Henry Pardo '29 and Rihanna Lopez '29; now, they're going to be classmates, too. Pardo, from Providence, and Lopez, from Boston, met last summer at the PwC Accounting Careers Leadership Institute on campus, which served as a springboard for both applying to attend Bryant after graduating high school. "The PwC program gave me more insight into life at Bryant and also more about accounting, and how it's more than just math," said Lopez. During the morning Academic and Resource Fair, Accounting Department Chair Charles Cullinan, Ph.D., greeted the pair warmly, having recognized Pardo and Lopez from the PwC program. "Everyone has been super welcoming," said Pardo. "The staff is very knowledgeable and all my questions have been answered, so that's all I can really ask for."

Orientation leaders cheered new students and family members arriving for the university's welcome program in the MAC. "I love getting people up and around and excited about coming to this school," said Filip Dominique '27 (left), a Communication major who transferred to Bryant from San Diego State University. In just his second full year at Bryant, Dominique has worked as a Resident Assistant, joined the swim team, played club baseball, and recently signed up as an Orientation Leader. "This actually is my first Orientation as an OL and as a student," he said.

Welcoming the Class of 2029, Bryant President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., urged incoming students to embrace the challenges that await them in the next four years. "Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones – lean into what stretches you," he said, advising students and parents to use Orientation as an opportunity to meet members of the school community, including faculty, staff, and future classmates. "These individuals will become a part of your network and the familiar faces who will support you along your journey," he said.

Prior to lunch, Orientation Leaders led incoming first-year students outside in small groups to get to know each other better. Students were asked to give themselves a nickname, and leaders made a game of trying to remember and recite each one as they moved around the circle. Lincoln, Rhode Island, resident and incoming Finance major Elizabeth Alger '29, chose the nickname "Loving Liz." "The games are a little bit corny, but I like it so far," she said.

John Dietrich, Ph.D., chair of the Politics, Law, and Society department, was one of several faculty members who facilitated Classroom Confidential sessions, where instructors offered insights into academic expectations in college that may be different from what incoming first-years experienced in high school. Mason Diaz '29 from Medway, Massachusetts, was among the students who raised their hands during a Q&A session; he asked faculty members about their favorite classes to teach. "I know I'll do better in classes that I enjoy and that professors enjoy teaching," he explained.

Attending the end-of-day Parents Reception at the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center was a bit of deja vu for Bill Laws, who worked in the building before it was donated to Bryant by Fidelity Investments. Laws, now a vice president at Fidelity, attended Orientation with his wife, Amanda, and daughter Hannah '29, who plans to major in Finance and row with Bryant's crew team. Hannah is the Laws' first child to attend college. "Our emotions kind of follow hers," said Amanda. "There are periods when she's really excited, and times where you can see she's a little nervous. Today was great because she was sitting with us initially, and then when she got to go with her group she immediately found somebody. She wasn't even out of the building and was already having a conversation. It felt nice that she's finding a home, finding her people."

Orientation Leader and Digital Marketing major Amy Nguyen '28 spent her day helping incoming students navigate campus with a cheerful assist from SpongeBob SquarePants. "I thought it would be funny for my group," she said. "It turned out to be really helpful in terms of helping people with directions and where to go."