Defiance College Enjoys Record Freshman Class

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College has recorded its largest new student class with more than 370 entering students.

This year’s freshmen class is more ethnically and geographically diverse than in recent years with more than 25 percent of the class comprised of students of racial or ethnic minorities compared to 18 percent last year. Nearly 40 percent of these students come from outside the state of Ohio, a significant increase over 2010. Applications for admission were received from 48 states and U.S. territories.

“Our residence halls are nearing capacity, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.” said DC president Mark C. Gordon. “More and more students from around the country are realizing that DC offers them the best of both worlds – the individualized benefits of being at a small college together with a world of distinctive opportunities.”

New students are attracted to many of the innovative programs offered at Defiance College including international travel and undergraduate research through the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity, a growing music program, hands-on real world experiences like the Cold Case Initiative and Business Advantage Program, and expanded cultural programs offering trips to Chicago, New York City, and other destinations for concerts, theater, and art.

International students are also increasingly coming to DC. New students on campus this semester include students from Jamaica, Australia, China and South Africa.

Mike Suzo, vice president for enrollment management, noted that projected full time freshmen students have increased more than twelve percent when compared to 2010.

“A growing number of students are recognizing the value of a Defiance College education and are choosing to invest in their future on our campus,” he said. “Our emphasis on helping students develop the experiential components of their resume while they are developing their content skills sets Defiance apart from other colleges.  We are especially good at helping students grow personally and preparing students for their first career experience.”

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

September 12, 2011