DelVal welcomes its most diverse class

Delaware Valley University welcomed 429 first-time freshmen and 151 new transfer students to campus Aug. 28. The class is the University's most diverse group of new students to date. This fall, DelVal more than tripled its new international student population, and the University is also drawing students from more states. The new students push DelVal’s total undergraduate, traditional day student enrollment to 1,826. 

"This year's new students came from 20 different states in the U.S., compared to 11 last fall," said Art Goon, vice president for enrollment management. "We have 11 new international students, compared to three last year."  

The fall 2017 class includes new international students from China, Columbia, Germany, Nepal, Poland, Saudi Arabia, St. Lucia, Venezuela and the United Kingdom.

The University also enrolled more new first-time Native American, African American, Hispanic, Latino and multiracial students compared to the previous fall. In fall 2016, about 23 percent of DelVal’s new students were ethnically/racially diverse. In fall 2017, about 29 percent are ethnically/racially diverse.

DelVal President Dr. Maria Gallo welcomed the new students by reinforcing the University founder's values.

"Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf founded DelVal 121 years ago," said Dr. Gallo. "He was a tireless social reformer and a Progressive who spoke out on issues such as individual rights and social justice. Dr. Krauskopf was committed to the betterment of our world, and the Core Values of this University are a reflection of his legacy."

DelVal is increasing efforts to educate its students on the University's Core Values this fall.  On the first day of classes, at Convocation, the University’s values were reaffirmed with a particular focus on “respect all people” and “value the world of ideas and differences.” All new students signed a Core Values poster at the event. The President’s Commission on Diversity is organizing several educational events this fall to reinforce these values. 

The Core Values are:

• Teach, learn and serve with passion and commitment
•  Act as one learning community with one purpose
•  Value the world of ideas and differences
•  Live each day with integrity
•  Respect all people
•  Pursue excellence

At Convocation, the president challenged the new students to "Dream…Design…Do."

"Dream big, design your university and life experiences to move toward that dream, and then go for it!" said Dr. Gallo. "Study hard, have fun, and fall in love with DelVal."

Fast Facts About DelVal's New Students:

• 580 new undergraduate students (429 freshmen, 151 new transfers)
• The new students bring the total undergraduate traditional day student population to 1,826
• 11 new international students (compared to three last year)
• Students are from 20 different states (compared to 11 last year)
• Eight students are veterans or military members
• 41 students have parents or other family members who are DelVal alumni
• In fall 2016, about 23 percent of DelVal’s new students were ethnically/racially diverse. In fall 2017, about 29 percent are ethnically/racially diverse.