Greetings

FROM THE DEAN

ONE LATE SUMMER EVENING, as the sun begins to set, the Tufts first-year class gathers on the Prez Lawn, the grassy hillside between the President’s House and Tisch Library, for the Illumination Ceremony, an annual tradition held during Orientation Week. Student and staff speakers reflect on their experiences at Tufts, setting the stage for the various adventures that await the incoming class. As the ceremony concludes and the sun dips below the horizon, each fi rst-year student lights a candle until the hillside is a universe of bright stars. And with that, the adventure begins for our newest Jumbos.

This issue of Jumbo Magazine is dedicated to adventure. After all, that is what college is and should be—a chance to learn and experience new ideas, new ways of thinking, and potentially new parts of the country or world. The students who come to Tufts eager for that adventure, ready to take advantage of the opportunities and resources we provide, excel during their time on the Hill. Success in college often relies on a willingness to expand one’s horizons, a willingness to be vulnerable and open to new experiences, and a commitment to valuing and enjoying the journey, not just the destination.

If you’re reading this, then you might be wondering what kinds of adventures await you at Tufts. This issue of Jumbo Magazine shares just a few of those possibilities with you. You will learn about our many wonderful Pre-Orientation programs where incoming first-year students find community and discover Boston and the Medford/Somerville area before classes begin. You will hear from some incredible professors and students at Tufts, like how Corlene Rhoades ’22 was able to complete research in applied photonics during the pandemic, or how Professor Allen’s first forays into global medicine helped her decide to focus her research on inequities in healthcare. You will see our unique Mountain Loj in New Hampshire, where Tufts students can spend their weekends exploring Mount Washington and the White Mountain National Forest with their peers.

I hope our admissions committee will have the opportunity to learn more about you, and what you hope to make of your Tufts adventure. I encourage you to visit our website, take a virtual tour, and engage in any of our in-person or virtual programming that helps you make the best decision for your educational journey. And perhaps we will see you at next year’s Illumination Ceremony.

Best,

JT Duck Dean of Admissions