Community and Connections
Your first year at Gettysburg College brings endless excitement. With an abundance of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, you will be able to shape your own path and forge connections that last a lifetime, starting on day one.
From friendships and mentorships to professional connections and creative collaborations upon graduation, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni not only make up our strong Gettysburg Network, but also understand the value of our community. Former Gettysburgians can help guide you in the right direction, ensuring you make the most of your experience. When facing a new endeavor, it’s key to be confident, while remembering to remain true to yourself.
“Don’t forget to do what makes you happy in the moment,” said Nicole DeJacimo ’22. Class president Jack Comegno ’24 added, “Seeing how much the College cared about our engagement, especially for my classmates who aren’t on campus, really reassured me as to why I chose to come to Gettysburg. You are not another number. The school cares for you and your wellbeing.”
As a member of the Gettysburg College community, you will be able to make your journey uniquely yours.
How Gettysburg College helps foster connections:
Average class size of 18 with first-class faculty who will know you by name.
- A First-Year Seminar experience that allows students to live and learn together.
- 100-plus study abroad opportunities to build cross-cultural competency.
- 30,000-plus alumni ready to connect with you through the Gettysburg Network, including on its online platform, connectGettysburg.
- Time-honored traditions, including the First-Year Walk linking our history and community.
- More than 120 clubs and organizations, 24 NCAA Division III athletic teams, 800 campus events, and numerous leadership opportunities with which you can get involved that encourages scholarly engagement and collaboration.
Thriving at Gettysburg
Ignite your curiosity with opportunities beyond the classroom, explore new interests to discover your potential, and dedicate your time to newfound passions. Determine your path to success by finding your niche.
Learn how you can immerse yourself in our community in your first year.
Student testimonials
The opportunities are infinite. The connections are inevitable. By pursuing your interests and partaking in activities across campus, you will be able to grow personally and professionally.
Hear advice on finding your niche and achieving your goals from Gettysburg College students who established connections within our community through their classes, clubs, and more.
Emily Dalgleish ’22
Majors:
Political Science and Public Policy
Minor:
Campus involvement:
Admissions tour guide, Casa de la Cultura volunteer, College Democrats student senate representative, Eisenhower Institute, Garthwait Leadership Certificate program, Model United Nations delegate, women’s club rugby, and two internships
In her words:
“Your first year in college is such a unique and special time. It is a chance for you to learn who you are living on your own, find people you click best with, discover new passions and hobbies, and broaden your world views. Take all the opportunities you can, even ones that are outside of your comfort zone, because there aren’t many other periods in your life that provide as much freedom.”
Alli Dayton ’24
Majors:
Minor:
Campus involvement:
Mock Trial; Gettysburg College Choir; Eisenhower Institute; Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Admissions tour guide
In her words:
“My favorite class was my First-Year Seminar, ‘Policy Change through Agency and Activism.’ I loved this class because [Public Policy] Prof. [Anne] Douds invited speakers to class that provided me with important perspectives about civic engagement and public policy. I also enjoyed getting to know the other Eisenhower Scholars.”
Alexandros Economou ’22
Majors:
Environmental Studies and Political Science
Minor:
Campus involvement:
Campus Activities Board’s (CAB) Live Music Committee, El Centro tutor, Latin American Student Association, Model United Nations, Mosaic Pre-Orientation program, and Puerto Rico immersion trip through Center for Public Service
In his words:
“I believe that for someone to really learn about the world around them, they need to see it through other perspectives and see it for themselves. Having the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico with the Center for Public Service, I was able to find a hidden passion of mine, which was learning the language my mother and her family speaks.”
Alexia Ferraro ’24
Major:
Minor:
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Campus involvement:
Resident Assistant (RA), Mock Trial, cheer team, College Prep, Garthwait Leadership Center, philosophy group discussions, Admissions tour guide, Office of Student Activities And Greek Life (OSAGL) program coordinator
In her words:
“Being a part of different clubs and organizations at school has connected me more with the campus community. Exploring the town and battlefields has helped me feel more connected with the community in town.”
Samuel Jagolinzer ’22
Major:
Minor:
Writing
First-year activities:
Ascent, Gettysburg Recreational Adventure Board (GRAB), and Model United Nations.
In his words:
“For all that Gettysburg College is, it is foremost to me a safe place to exit one’s comfort zone. At Gettysburg, all are pushed to take as many chances as possible, and if they fall, to simply get back up and dust themselves off. It is this attitude of the institution that has so far inspired me.”
Meem Noshin Nawal Khan ’24
Major:
Minor:
Writing
Campus involvement:
Badminton Club, Skeptical Chemists, Community Advisor (CA) at Residential and First-Year Programs (RFYP), Admissions international student ambassador, Cross-Disciplinary Science Institute (X-SIG)
In her words:
“My biology professor baked strawberry tarts and sourdough bread for me since this is my first time away from home and I was missing my family back in Bangladesh. … The connections I made here are the most meaningful parts of my first-year experience because I got a home away from home.”
Adriana Quiñonez Solano ’24
Majors:
Environmental Studies and Public Policy
Minor:
Campus involvement:
Title IX Task Force, Painted Turtle Farm volunteer, Peace and Justice Club
In her words:
“I was able to find friends and a community through my Spanish class and my professors. Having professors who share similar experiences, as a person of color and first generation, was inspiring to grow and find power within myself to accomplish my goals.”
Charlie Wingert ’24
Major:
Campus involvement:
Resident Assistant (RA), EQ Room, sports information, theater, Film Club
In his words:
“I just say, ‘Hi,’ to people when I see them around. It helps add to the friendly environment that is Gettysburg College.”
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