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First-years Rachel Valdivieso and Priya Agarwal walked determinedly across Whitnall Field this morning with a couple items for the room they will share in Stillman Hall.

Valdivieso, of Clinton Corners, N.Y., had just arrived on campus with most other first-years, while Agarwal, of India, was already here to attend an orientation held Tuesday for international students.

Both were excited that their ������Ƶ careers had officially started.

“For me it is the academics mixed with athletics, all on this beautiful campus,” said Valdivieso, who plans to play club tennis and study chemistry.

Agarwal said her uncle is a professor in India and was aware of ������Ƶ’s strong academic reputation, and that led her to investigate the school on her own.

“It feels right here,” she said, as they headed up the hill.

The roommates are members of the second-largest class – 854 students — in school history. It is the most diverse class ever, with students of color making up 26.2 percent.

Many members of the class and their families were greeted this morning by new university president Jeffrey Herbst, who was out early on Whitnall Field.

Marvin Vilma and his family were taking a breather in one of the small sitting rooms at 110 Broad Street, which will be home to 43 first- years taking part in a leadership program called LOFT I (Leadership Options for Tomorrow).

Vilma attended a multicultural open house earlier this year, and he said the welcome he received was one of the factors that brought him to ������Ƶ.

He ran a leadership club at Trinity School in New York City, and LOFT seemed like a perfect extension of his interests.

“I can’t wait to begin this experience, meet new people from all over, and be away from my parents,” he said, as his mom and dad rolled their eyes.

Lauren Warner was deciding among several schools when a trip to ������Ƶ during April Visit Days confirmed her choice.

“The kids I talked to, every single one, all had a great attitude about this place,” she said. “It felt very personal and very positive.”

The Weston, Mass., native plans to pursue a pre-med track, though she pointed out that it’s all open at this point. Her dad, Jon Warner, is a doctor and ������Ƶ alumnus (Class of 1978). Despite her father’s ������Ƶ connection, Lauren said her father left the college decision up to her.

“He would tell me, ‘I’m not going to say; it’s up to you.’ Although he told me a few times what a great experience he had here.”