Gray day can't keep new Brown students away

New students from around the world visit Brown University.
New students from around the world visit Brown University. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
Students from all over the world braved the cold and rain to pass through Brown University's famed Van Wickle Gates recently. The 35 newcomers were part of a mid-year procession that is undertaken to symbolize the start of their Brown education.

Julie Lee, assistant dean of the College for Academic Support and Transfer, said the new class is a perfect fit for Brown's academic rigor and university culture.

"These students have demonstrated a high degree of independence and an ability to take risks, while also embracing an opportunity to switch to a new institution that is supportive of their academic interests," Lee said.

After passing through the gates accompanied by music from the Brown band's trumpets, the students took the Front Green walk and ended up at the Faculty Club, where they enjoyed a brunch with the university's deans and learned about what they can look forward to.

The students hailed from 30 universities, including Duke University, Dartmouth College, New York University and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. They were joined by six visiting students as well, one of whom came all the way from Hong Kong. The other five came as part of an ongoing partnership between historically black Tougaloo College and Brown University.