First-year students Dylan Stevenson and Kasen Charles instantly clicked at last year’s Summer Academy at Jefferson. They attended the fashion workshop for high schoolers, getting a taste of University life and learning about the career paths in the fashion industry.
The experience solidified their decision to attend Jefferson, and in a full-circle moment, they became roommates.
“I’m excited for the journey and opportunities I’ll have,” says Stevenson, a Fashion Merchandising and Management major who hopes to work in marketing for a high-end brand.
“Fashion is everything I’ve ever wanted,” adds Charles, a Fashion Design student. “It’s architecture, movement, and design all in one.”
New Jefferson Class Welcomed at Convocation
Nearly 1,000 undergraduates begin their next chapter.
On Aug. 20, new students moved in and attended Convocation to mark the start of their Jefferson journey.
First-year Fashion students (l-r) Dylan Stevenson and Kasen Charles became roommates after meeting at last year’s Summer Academy at Jefferson.
As part of the new Jefferson class, they joined nearly 1,000 undergraduates from 23 states and 26 countries, from as far away as the Philippines. The class also features four sets of twins and some 270 students from Philadelphia, including Central High School grad Bryce Gooden.
The Marketing major enters Jefferson with a longtime love of the entertainment industry. Gooden’s TikTok, which focuses on books, TV, and movies, has nearly 20,000 followers.
The Thomas Jefferson University Bicentennial Scholarship recipient hopes to work at a major studio, such as Disney, Universal, or Sony, combining his passion for storytelling, branding, and consumer engagement. Gooden believes attending Jefferson, with its small class size and industry-connected faculty, will help him get there.
“You can actually talk to them about internships and their experiences in the field and build professional connections,” he says.
With nearly 20,000 TikTok followers, Marketing student Bryce Gooden looks to work in the entertainment industry.
New Jefferson College of Business classmate Ailany Asencio also chose the University for its strong ties to the Philadelphia business community and emphasis on hands-on, real-world learning. The International Business student looks forward to immersing herself in campus life, continuing to serve the community, and preparing for a career with meaningful social impact.
In high school, Asencio organized projects to help provide food for families in need and led educational activities to promote sustainability.
“A college that cares about community impact and engagement — that’s what I saw in Jefferson,” she says.
Asencio and hundreds of her classmates celebrated the start of their Jefferson journey at a reimagined Convocation ceremony on Aug. 20. This year’s event — where University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and leaders honored new students — also featured a Philly-themed welcome party in the Kanbar Campus Center. From there, students walked together into the Gallagher Center, cheered on by the Jefferson community.
The University’s strong ties to the Philadelphia business community and focus on community impact inspired International Business major Ailany Asencio to attend Jefferson.
Once inside, University President Susan Aldridge, PhD, welcomed students and their loved ones and congratulated them on choosing Jefferson, which the Center for World University Rankings recently placed in the top 2% globally.
“With rankings like that, it’s no wonder that 92% of our students land good jobs or begin a master’s degree program within a year of graduation,” Dr. Aldridge says. “Every one of us here at Jefferson is fully dedicated to preparing you for the dynamic real world you’ll face by providing you with the knowledge and skills you must have to succeed within a truly diverse community of learning.”
Interim Provost Geoffrey Cromarty, EdD, reminded students that one of the great discoveries of college is realizing that almost everyone is figuring things out as they go.
“That includes you,” he says. “You belong here not because you have all the answers, but because you have earned the opportunity to pursue them.”
University President Susan Aldridge, PhD, met new students at a Philly-inspired party in the Kanbar Campus Center before Convocation.
Alumni speaker Lauren Gahan echoed those thoughts. The Class of 2015 architecture graduate now works as the senior design director with Blueprint Studio at Live Nation. There, she oversees the design and construction of concert venues across the country.
“I hope that when you leave, you’ll leave with something you never expected,” Gahan says. “Maybe it’s lifelong friends. Maybe it’s mentors who believe in you. Maybe it’s an opportunity halfway around the world. Maybe it’s a career you haven’t imagined yet. Whatever it is, be open to it. Because looking back, the best things I found at Jefferson were the things I never knew I was looking for.”
Dean of Students Henry Humphreys, PhD, urged students to seek support from University faculty, administrators, and staff to help attain their educational hopes and dreams.
“But this is your experience, so own it,” he says. “Take on leadership roles. Join a club. Get involved in Greek life. Find something you’re passionate about. Maybe one day that means becoming president of the Student Government Association (SGA).”
Jefferson faculty, staff, students, alumni, and leaders welcomed hundreds of new students and their loved ones at Convocation.
Last year at this time, current SGA President Nevaeh Baldwin had just started Jefferson. Now, she leads the University’s student government. “That can happen here,” Dr. Humphreys notes.
Baldwin, a Law and Society major, helped to close out Convocation by stressing that this chapter at Jefferson will be filled with growth, change, challenges, and opportunities that will last a lifetime.
“Ask questions, introduce yourself to someone you don’t know, go to every Chicken Finger Thursday, attend events and sports games, and don’t be afraid to get involved,” she says. “Don’t rush through these years. Be present in every moment, take pictures, and challenge yourself by saying yes to new experiences that come your way. Because one day you’ll look back and remember these weren’t just your college years, but these are the years that shaped the person you’ve become.”