Troy, N.Y. – During the annual Student Orientation program, Karen Long, director of undergraduate admissions at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, often delivers remarks noting highlights regarding the incoming class. In 2010, the incoming Class of 2014 made its debut on the Rensselaer campus. The class was comprised of nearly 1,170 students. The high-achieving group included 327 women and a significant increase in the national and international profile of the student body.

At the time, nearly 27 percent of the students came from areas outside of the Northeast. The first-year students hailed from 42 states, in addition to the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 14 foreign countries, reinforcing the well-known reputation of Rensselaer as a top-tier university with global reach and global impact.

Following is what Long had to say about the Class of 2014:

For the men, more of you are named Michael than any other name. Michael has been the most common name for the last nine years, but it was edged out by Matthew (by one student). And for the women, the most popular name is Emily.

Within the class, 84 students were valedictorians or salutatorians in high school, and many were actively involved in music, research, and the arts. Members of the class come to Rensselaer having demonstrated extracurricular achievement, leadership, and support for civic engagement in various roles including sports captains and class presidents, Eagle Scouts, and Girl Scout Gold Award winners, among others.  

Continuing a Rensselaer legacy, 89 students are the sons or daughters, grandsons or granddaughters of Rensselaer graduates, which serves as a wonderful message about the Rensselaer education and the impact it has on alumni long after they’ve graduated from Rensselaer, and the longstanding connection Rensselaer makes with graduates to educate men and women who are the leaders of tomorrow.

Of special note, the class also includes a student who served as an intern at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; a student who is a Jiu Jitsu national champion and another who is nationally ranked in archery; a student who worked as a background actor in Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe’s blockbuster movie American Gangster; a student who is a lead singer in a punk rock group that has already produced its first album; a student who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry; a student who has received national recognition for Irish Step dancing; a student who performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade; and a student who has had perfect attendance since seventh grade.

A New Beginning

On Saturday, May 24, members of the Class of 2014 will cross the Rensselaer stage as they participate in the 208th Commencement Ceremony, and begin a new chapter in their lives.

While at Rensselaer, members of the class have “achieved some incredible feats,” according to Louis Trzepacz, associate dean of student retention and success at Rensselaer.