Members of the Class of 2009 walked down the Approach to the annual Welcome fest downtown.

Approximately 1,250 members of Rensselaer’s incoming Class of 2009 arrived on campus this fall. Nearly two-thirds of the students come from the top 10 percent of their high school classes, more than 300 members of the freshman class are Rensselaer Medalists, and the class’s average SAT score of 1320 includes 70 students with a perfect 800 score in either verbal or math. They come from 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 16 countries.

According to Karen Long, acting dean of enrollment management, the Class of 2009 includes students who are focused on reaching new heights through their accomplishments. There are 61 students who were valedictorians and 42 who were salutatorians of their high school, more than 235 were captains of their athletic teams, 77 are Eagle Scouts, and many are actively involved in music and the arts.

The Class of 2009 also includes 102 legacies (students who are related to Rensselaer alumni). “This is a wonderful message about the Rensselaer education and the impact it has on alumni long after they’ve graduated from Rensselaer. The number of students following in the footsteps of family members demonstrates the longstanding connection Rensselaer makes with graduates to educate men and women who are the leaders of tomorrow,” Long says.

“As a top-tier world-class technological research university, Rensselaer offers students an outstanding education,” says Provost “Bud” Peterson. “Because of its strong academic tradition and the excellent quality of its student life programs, Rensselaer attracts the brightest students from across the country and around the world. Rensselaer students have well-earned reputations as technological leaders in an increasingly complex world. They truly fulfill the Institute’s vision and promise — to make a difference and to change the world.”

Members of the new class were introduced to the Rensselaer campus and local community at a series of welcome events on Aug. 26. President Shirley Ann Jackson personally greeted all of the students at the top of the Approach steps, before they headed downtown for a “Welcome Festival” at Troy’s Riverfront Park.

Originally published in Rensselaer Magazine, Fall 2005
Photo by Woody Woodworth

Published November 1, 2005