As the academic year kicks off, Yale’s campus is alive with a fresh energy and renewed spirit. The year is off to a particularly sweet start for first-year students, courtesy of #ForBrightCollegeYears.
Around 1,000 first-years attended the First-Year Cookie Break on Old Campus, which was open to all members of the class of 2028. The event offered an opportunity for new students to mingle, enjoy some treats from Insomnia Cookies, and begin forming connections that will shape their Yale experience.
The afternoon was made even more memorable with appearances from Yale’s iconic mascot, Handsome Dan, and Yale’s facility dog, Officer Heidi, who were instant hits among students eager for a photo-op. Students left with swag bags full of goodies, making for a spirited start to their Yale journey.
Clara Díaz Suárez ’28, from Jonathan Edwards (JE), captured the spirit of the event. “I didn't know I'd get to meet so many awesome people that I'd really want to spend time around,” she said. “It's been really fun getting to meet everyone because this is one of the events where residential colleges get to mix and I'm getting to know people outside of JE.”
“Insomnia cookies are amazing!” said Darren Ke ’28, of Pierson College. “A lot of people have showed up. It’s very social and everyone’s just talking. [#ForBrightCollegeYears] has been really amazing for putting all of this together and getting people out to Old Campus.”
The #ForBrightCollegeYears initiative is a collaborative effort between the Office of Development, Yale Alumni Fund, and Yale Alumni Association.
Abby Douglas, Assistant Director of Student Engagement at the Yale College Office of Development, emphasized the initiative's mission. “It's a way for our three teams to come together and educate students about philanthropy, alumni connections, volunteerism, and all the amazing opportunities that alumni affairs and development can offer them while at Yale and after graduation,” she said.
The First-Year Cookie Break marks the start of a shared journey for incoming Yale students. With new connections made and the spirit of Yale already taking root, these students are not just beginning their academic adventure — they’re becoming part of a larger Yale community that will support and inspire them for years to come.
