This newsletter is
published by:
University of Bridgeport

Division of Institutional Advancement,
George H. Mihalakos, vice president,
219 Park Ave.,
Bridgeport CT 06601

Editor: John J. Daley, (Director of public relations)

Design: Takafumi Kojima
(Multimedia Specialist)

Articles may be submitted
by email to:
bpt.univ@snet.net
Fax: (203) 576.4512
Phone: (203) 576.4510

  Class of 2005:
 Strong, Diverse and Talented

B has once again fulfilled its mission as an institution that attracts the best, brightest, most interesting and culturally diverse students in the world. Where else would you find students from 34 states and 91 countries?

Students at opening cookout on the UB Mall

   Let me present some interesting information about our new students. There are approximately 800, an even number of men and women. The new students come from 25 states and 40 countries - from Cleveland to Phoenix to San Diego to New York and other exotic places like Uzbekistan and Beijing, Islamabad and Jaipur and Zimbabwe - from every continent except Antarctica. They speak about 30 languages - from French, German, Spanish, Uzbek and Turkman to Mandarin sign languages and Gio.
   Here is a profile I gave the students at Fall Convocation:
   "Your guidance counselors, teachers, parents and friends describe you as shy and quiet, outgoing, animated - several of you are class clowns. You are honest, tolerant, motivated, friendly, respected, dedicated, hardworking, idealistic and filled with spirit. Several of you are flowers waiting to blossom. One of you has the loyalty of John Wayne and General Patton. One of you is an example of everything that is right with American young people today.
   "You are a group involved with serving the community, having volunteered thousands of hours in soup kitchens, and as mentors, teachers, tutors. You've volunteered in hospitals and health centers helping AIDS victims, the homeless, the elderly. You are a group concerned with and involved in preserving the environment.
   "You are a group with high academic accomplishments - many in honor societies, many having won awards in science, math, engineering, language, creative writing and art.
   "You are a stepping, stretching, running, jumping group concerned with health and fitness - many vegetarians - much meditation. In addition to the traditional sports of cricket, lacrosse and kick boxing, you are involved with table tennis, ice hockey, karate, wrestling, bowling and weightlifting. And of course, there's basketball, soccer, gymnastics, baseball and track.
   "You are a singing, dancing, rockin' rollin', hip-hoppin' group. One of you has already starred in many musicals. Many have sung in choirs. Several play instruments and several write music. One student is a recognized performer in her own country and has several CDs. Look out, J-Lo!
   "In this class are several brothers and sisters, several Marines, a naval sea cadet, several Eagle Scouts and a few farmers. There is someone who trains horses; someone who collects lizards and turtles; someone who has built a robot and another who built a weather station. There are models and people who want to be entertainers, work for the FBI, become lawyers, doctors, news broadcasters and teachers. And the next Oprah Winfrey."