Cultivating Community: Highlights from Our Cohort Mixer

On October 21st, students from our various cohorts came together for an evening of connection and reflection at our Cohort Mixer. The event provided a valuable opportunity to build relationships, share experiences, and foster a deeper sense of community among students, staff, and faculty. This gathering highlighted one of our core beliefs: a strong sense of belonging is key to student success.

Building a sense of belonging goes beyond creating a welcoming environment—it’s about ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and supported in their journey. During the mixer, students shared stories of their appreciation for the program, their concerns, and ideas for improvement. These conversations provided important insights into how we can continue to meet their needs and support their growth.

Hearing directly from students about their fears, achievements, and experiences in the program helps us refine our approach and ensure that we are responsive to their needs. Their voices matter, and the sense of belonging we are working to create is rooted in authentic connection and mutual respect.

Events like this, where students from different cohorts come together, create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and friendship that extend beyond the classroom. They also allow us, as an institution, to pause and celebrate the progress made while identifying areas for continued growth. The mixer reflected the strength of our community and the collaborative spirit that defines our work.

As we look ahead, we are excited to continue fostering this sense of belonging and community. The relationships formed during events like the Cohort Mixer are vital in supporting students’ academic and personal success, and they reaffirm our commitment to creating a space where all students can thrive.