Meet the Class of 2030

Meet the Class of 2030: Saint Francis Welcomes Its First Class of Red Wolves

A little rain (or even a complete drenching at times) couldn't dampen the excitement as Saint Francis University welcomed the Class of 2030 to Loretto. New students and their families arrived on Thursday, August 20, for New Student Check-In during one of the rainiest move-in days in recent memory. With the help of dedicated Orientation Counselors sporting rain ponchos, a new class officially began making Saint Francis home. And in typical Loretto fashion, weather patterns never stay the same for long, and the clouds parted to let the shine shine through.

Today, on the first day of classes, those new students begin another chapter; one with a special place in University history. The Class of 2030 is the first entering class of Saint Francis Red Wolves. 

Vice President for Enrollment Erin McCloskey reflected on that distinction as she welcomed the class during Thursday's Matriculation Ceremony.

“You hold a particularly important place in the history of Saint Francis University: you are the very first class of Red Wolves,” McCloskey told the students. “As the class that begins this new chapter, you will help define what it means to be a Red Wolf—not simply through a new name, but through the character, energy, and sense of community you bring to campus. “The traditions you begin, the standards you set, and the ways you support one another will shape the Red Wolf legacy for every class that follows.” 

McCloskey also connected that new identity to the Franciscan story behind it. “The Red Wolf draws its meaning from Saint Francis’s encounter with the wolf of Gubbio. This story is one of compassion overcoming fear and reconciliation transforming conflict into community. As the first class of Red Wolves, you are called to carry those values forward by leading with courage, seeking understanding, and caring for one another.” 

Meet the Class of 2030

 The newest Red Wolves arrive in Loretto from 134 different high schools across 18 states, with hometowns stretching from Eagle River, Alaska, to Fort Pierce, Florida, and from Torrance, California, to Beverly, Massachusetts. But many didn't have to travel far to find their college home. 150 members of the class come from neighboring Cambria and Blair counties, bringing strong local representation to the incoming class. 

For some students, Saint Francis already runs in the family. 54 members of the Class of 2030 are siblings, children, or grandchildren of Saint Francis graduates, continuing a connection to the University across generations. 

They arrived in Loretto through a downpour, from communities near and far, some beginning a new family tradition and others continuing one. But they share something no future Saint Francis class will be able to claim: They are the first Red Wolves. 

Welcome to Saint Francis, Class of 2030. Your story starts now.

Photos by Mitch Jubas and Haley Gray