Grand Rapids, Michigan (July 29, 2008) - For the fourth consecutive year, Aquinas College will welcome a record number of freshmen to campus when the fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 25. The 525 incoming freshmen surpass last year's record freshmen class of 440 students, while the addition of more than 75 transfer students brings the total new student enrollment to more than 600 students. Collectively, the incoming class represents ten states and a 3.4 grade point average.

“The growth of new students is attributable to increased marketing efforts, facility enhancements and an increasing interest in Aquinas’ strong academic programs,” said Admissions Dean Tom Mikowski. Significant additions and improvements to the Aquinas campus in recent years include: the state-of-the-art Grace Hauenstein Library; an artificial turf athletic field; the recently completed renovation to the Academic Building’s second floor; and a new, 64-student apartment complex scheduled to open in August.

Additionally, the College has undertaken a multi-million dollar Science Initiative, which to date has raised more than $625,000 for new science equipment and more than $3.6 million in endowments for research and scholarships.

“Given the multi-billion dollar expansion in the medical and science facilities in Grand Rapids, it is encouraging to see that science and health areas still lead the way in terms of interest from incoming students,” said Mikowski. This fall’s record new student enrollment includes more than 50 students in the Aquinas/University of Detroit – Mercy Nursing Program. The College's investment in the health and science fields "will only serve to strengthen our commitment to prepare students for these jobs in our community," said Mikowski.

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