First-year students bring varied backgrounds, experiences

The Class of 2012 is a dynamic group of students who have dedicated themselves to humanitarian relief, wildlife preservation and serving in the U.S. Army.

Some also have overcome tremendous odds, such as fleeing Afghanistan to escape the Taliban. Others assumed leadership roles in their high schools and communities and demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement.

The first-year class includes 19 valedictorians, 68 student government and class presidents, 53 members of state champion athletic teams, 52 editors of school publications and 16 Eagle and Girl Scout Award winners.

In addition to an Army veteran, the first-year class includes a student who worked as a translator for the German Embassy in Kabul and later worked with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a student who worked as a Congressional intern and a student who served as the president of a group for Hispanic girls.

The University’s first-year students come from 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 34 countries. Forty percent hail from the Mid-Atlantic, with 16 percent from Virginia. Seven percent are from outside of the United States. Domestic students of color make up 12 percent of the first-year class, and 15 percent are first-generation college students.

Classes began Aug. 25 with a total of 4,240 degree-seeking students, including 3,428 undergraduates and 812 master’s and professional students.