The University of Connecticut Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing welcomed the Class of 2030 during UConn’s annual Weekend of Welcome (WOW), marking the beginning of an exciting academic year and another milestone in the school’s continued growth.
This fall, the school welcomes a record-breaking 297 incoming students, with 275 students at UConn Storrs and 22 students at UConn Waterbury.
For the first time, students are beginning their nursing education through the new Waterbury-to-Storrs Nursing Pathway, which allows students to start their UConn experience at the Waterbury campus before transitioning to Storrs to complete their Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. The pathway expands access to UConn’s nursing education while providing students with a direct four-year path to a nursing degree.
At Storrs, incoming nursing students gathered on August 29th, as part of Weekend of Welcome activities designed to help them connect with their classmates, faculty, staff, and the resources that will support them throughout their time at UConn.
Students heard from Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson, PhD, RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN, as well as members of the school’s student success team. The program provided an opportunity for students to learn more about the school community and what they can expect as they begin their nursing education.
“This is an exciting and transformative year for the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing,” said Dean Dickson. “Welcoming a record-breaking 297 students across Storrs and Waterbury reflects both the growing demand for nursing education and our commitment to expanding access to a UConn nursing degree. We are proud to welcome the Class of 2030 and look forward to supporting these students as they begin their journey to becoming the next generation of nurses.”
Students also participated in activities that encouraged them to begin thinking about their goals for the next four years.
The Weekend of Welcome builds on relationships that began during summer orientation, when incoming students had opportunities to meet their academic advisors, learn about the nursing curriculum, and become familiar with UConn resources.
“The Weekend of Welcome event is such a meaningful opportunity to welcome our newest students into the nursing community,” said Chelsea McTigue, Director of Student Success. “Our team in the Center for Student Success is excited to support the Class of 2030 as they build connections, discover their strengths, and begin this important journey together.”
The arrival of the Class of 2030 comes during a transformative year for the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing. The school continues to expand opportunities for nursing education across Connecticut while preparing to open DeLuca Hall, its new home at UConn Storrs.
For the Class of 2030, the years ahead will include not only their own growth as students and future nurses, but also a historic period of growth for the school itself.
