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Hilbert College enrollment up 23% amid COVID-19 pandemic

Posted at 7:59 AM, Sep 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-16 07:59:07-04

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — Hilbert College says enrollment is up dramatically for incoming students for the Fall 2020 semester.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Hilbert College President Dr. Michael S. Brophy. “A 23% increase in any year would be a reason for celebration, but given the unprecedented global situation, we are ecstatic to be able to welcome this group of new students to our campus.”

The college announced Tuesday that for the first time since 2016, its student body totals over 800 students, up 4% from Fall 2019.

According to a release sent to the 7 Eyewitness Newsroom, the 2020 freshman class is one of the most diverse groups ever to start at Hilbert. Nearly 35% identified as an underrepresented population. The college say this is in part due to its expanded partnership with the Say Yes program. It resulted in 23 Say Yes students entering the College this fall. A majority of Hilbert students are local but this year’s incoming class also includes students from as far away as California and Alaska.

“We are extremely proud of the quality and diversity of our incoming freshman class this year,” said Hilbert Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Randyll Bowen. “We continue to streamline our enrollment process to best meet the needs of students and their families, which is especially important in these challenging times.”