On September 6, St. Francis College (SFC) welcomed new and returning students and employees at the annual convocation and Terrier Tuesday party. These two events marked the community opening of SFC’s brand-new campus at 179 Livingston Street in Downtown Brooklyn.

The festivities on Terrier Tuesday capped off Welcome Week 2022 at the College. Over the Labor Day weekend, students who will be living in SFC’s residence hall this academic year moved into their new home in Brooklyn Heights and enjoyed a family social as well as a reception hosted by the President’s Office. Both events were held on the residence hall’s rooftop, which offers sweeping views of Lower Manhattan.

Convocation on September 6 featured SFC's president, Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Ph.D., formally welcoming first-year and transfer students to the Terrier family. The ceremony also included an awards presentation honoring faculty and staff achievements as well as those of student clubs. Convocation was immediately followed by the Terrier Tuesday party, the annual celebration in appreciation of new students that precedes the start of the fall semester.

The convocation and Terrier Tuesday block party were originally scheduled to be held outside, near the College’s main entrance, but had to be moved indoors because of rain. The inclement weather, though, did not dampen the spirit of attendees, who enjoyed food, games, music, a student club fair and camaraderie on the eve of the first day of classes.

Reflecting on SFC’s new campus, AnnaMaria Leal ’23, president of SFC’s Student Government Association, said: “Even before the move, St. Francis College has always been the kind of school you need to witness with your own eyes. There is something special about the students, the community, the atmosphere — it is infectious and inviting. It has this ability to draw in all those who are lucky enough to experience its magic. This rings true more than ever. I feel lucky to be here to witness how the college will transform and adapt to our new home.”