Troy, N.Y. — Approximately 1,250 members of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s incoming Class of 2009 are arriving on campus this week. 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.

“As a top-tier world-class technological research university, Rensselaer offers students an outstanding education,” said Rensselaer Provost G.P. “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.”

Freshmen from 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 16 countries are moving into residence halls and beginning a week long program of welcoming events and team-building adventures, known as “Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond.” The events are designed to help ease the transition to college life by connecting new students to each other and to resources available on campus and in the local community.

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,” said Long.

Students are arriving to a Rensselaer campus alive with renovation and new building initiatives. Construction continues on the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) with concrete foundations rising above 8th Street. Some returning students will move into newly refurbished residence halls, and the Burdett Avenue residence hall has received a new food service line. The main level of the Folsom Library includes a new café and dining area. In the last year, the second phase of renovations to Academy Hall, the Student Life Services Center that serves as “one-stop shopping” for Rensselaer students by integrating student services in a centralized location, was completed, and the auditorium and multi purpose gymnasium will open for use this fall. In addition, the Institute has launched the new Future Energy Systems Center for Advanced Technology, and opened Java ++, a Rensselaer coffeehouse.  

Contact: Jessica Otitigbe
Phone: (518) 276-6050
E-mail: otitij@rpi.edu