The Class of 2028 is beginning their college experience at a university and in a nation both at an inflection point. With 1,395 students, according to data provided by the university, the Class of 2028 is one of the largest classes in St. Joe’s 173-year history. The Class of 2028 is, in many ways, symbolic of the university’s grand ambitions for the future. Like its incoming cohort of students, St. Joe’s is poised to become bigger, more diverse and more impactful on a national scale than ever before. Look no further than the plethora of construction projects across campus, the burgeoning selection of academic programs available to students or the recent Wall Street Journal ranking naming St. Joe’s as the 42nd best college in America.
Underlying all of this is a vitriolic and historic election season. The slate of candidates for seats at all levels of government will have a voice in the near future of public affairs, but this year’s most pivotal race — a presidential election already viewed by some as among the most significant in the nation’s history — will ultimately dictate how 2024 is remembered.
The Class of 2028 enters college in the unique position of being able to chart the nation’s future with their votes and civic engagement. Many new students above the age of 18 will be eligible to vote in Pennsylvania, one of the most vital swing states on the electoral map, which could very well tip the election. Additionally, this race is so close that it could be decided by a margin similar to the Class of 2028’s 1,395 students.
However, the Class of 2028 shouldn’t let the national significance of their position hinder the very real opportunities they have to make a difference on campus. New students can still declare their candidacy for the University Student Senate by today, Sept. 11, with voting beginning next week. There are also countless other ways to make a difference outside the political realm, whether you’d like to combat food insecurity with HawkHUB or Sharing Excess, volunteer in the local community with Weekly Service or reflect on a shared identity with various Campus Ministry and affinity groups. The opportunities for the Class of 2028 to get involved and make a difference on and off campus are limitless, and they should take full advantage of these opportunities before the end of their college experience.
