This week, University College Roosevelt proudly welcomed just over 100 new students to Middelburg. While this year’s incoming group is slightly smaller than in previous years, it is still and incredibly international cohort, with over 40 different nationalities represented. This diversity brings with it a range of experiences and ideas that will enrich both the classroom and the broader UCR community.

The new students began their journey with Orientation Week, an introduction not only to their fellow classmates but also to Middelburg and UCR’s vibrant academic and social life. Over the course of the week, they explored the city, took part in community-building activities, and had their first taste of life as part of a close-knit, international learning environment.

This year’s class is also unique in another way: they are the very first to embark on UCR’s newly developed curriculum. Designed to meet the challenges of today’s world while maintaining the rigor and flexibility of a liberal arts and sciences education, the updated curriculum includes new opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning, where students collaborate directly with local organizations, schools, and initiatives. As they begin their academic careers, the Class of 2025 brings with them fresh energy and ambition.