New England College Welcomes the Class of 2030

The newest members of the New England College community have arrived.

On Thursday, August 20, New England College welcomed the Class of 2030 to campus as new students and their families arrived in Henniker to begin their college journey. Cars filled with belongings made their way onto campus, residence halls came to life, and the energy of a new academic year could be felt throughout the NEC community.

For many students, move-in marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For the faculty, staff, coaches, and returning students who helped welcome them, it was a chance to make sure the newest members of the community immediately felt at home.

From helping carry boxes and bags to answering questions and pointing students toward their new homes, members of the NEC community were on hand throughout the morning to make move-in day as welcoming and seamless as possible.

“This is a special time for our College community,” said New England College President Dr. Wayne F. Lesperance, Jr. “Our newest students are beginning an experience that will challenge them, inspire them, and help them discover more about who they are and who they want to become. We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2030 to New England College.”

For students and their families, move-in was about more than unpacking a room. It was an opportunity to begin getting acquainted with the campus, meet new classmates and roommates, and take those first steps toward becoming part of the NEC community.

The Class of 2030 officially began its NEC experience with four days of Fall Welcome Orientation from August 20–23. Throughout the program, new students had opportunities to connect with classmates, learn more about the College, meet members of the NEC community, and prepare for the start of the academic year.

The excitement continued with New England College’s 2026 Convocation on August 20, bringing the College community together to officially welcome the newest members of the NEC family. The Class of 2030 celebrated the beginning of its college experience on Simon Lawn, marking the start of what promises to be an unforgettable four years.

And while the first days of college can bring a mixture of excitement and nervousness, the Class of 2030 quickly discovered that they are not beginning this journey alone.

At NEC, students are surrounded by faculty and staff who know them by name, coaches and teammates who become part of their support network, and fellow students who are navigating many of the same new experiences. From the classroom to the playing field, the residence halls to the many opportunities available throughout campus, students have countless ways to find their place and build connections.

The Class of 2030 also joins NEC at an exciting time for the College. With a growing athletics program, expanded academic opportunities, new campus initiatives, and a continued commitment to student success, today’s newest Grims are becoming part of a community that is constantly moving forward.

Their journey starts here—in Henniker, on a campus surrounded by the beauty of New Hampshire, and within a community that believes every student has something important to contribute.

Welcome to New England College, Class of 2030.

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