Classes begin at Transylvania University in a couple of weeks. When doors open, the Lexington school will welcome its most diverse class ever.
Transy's incoming freshman class is the most geographically, racially, and ethnically diverse group in the school's history. Of the 274 students in the class of 2018, 9 percent are from outside the United States. Nigerian student Ajibola Bakare is entering his senior year. When he came to Transylvania three years ago, a student from China, and another from Taiwan comprised the international contingent. "Just as it is important to be friends with them because they are from a different culture, it is important to be friends with Americans. That way I could learn the culture here," said Bakare.
Thirty-one percent of Transylvania's incoming freshman class is from outside Kentucky, the highest percentage since 1974. Student Charlotte Stephens is from Sewanee, Tennessee. "Getting familiar with each other and I think that leads to better understanding if you can be friendly and kind of open to new ideas and new cultures and just gradually I guess kind of ease into all the other ways of thinking of living," said Stephens.
There are 1,018 students registered for the fall semester at Transylvania. Classes begin September 2nd. ?
