Imagine meeting people from 19 states, seven countries and many ethnic backgrounds.

More than 700 first-year students at Augustana College are doing just that as they moved to campus Thursday to prepare for classes that start Monday.

“The Class of 2015 is the most ethnically and culturally diverse group of students we’ve ever enrolled,” said Kent Barnds, vice president of enrollment, communication and strategic planning. “This is a group of students who represent what’s best about Augustana.

“They are high-achievers inside and outside the classroom,” he added. Enrolled from a pool of 4,615 applicants, the Class of 2015 has an ACT score range between 24 and 29 for the middle 50 percent. Students also indicated a high level of involvement in community service, fine and performing arts and athletics.

"These are high-achieving students who have shown they understand the importance both of serving and of leading,” said Augustana President Steven C. Bahls.

“This indicates a good fit with Augustana's commitment to engagement on campus and in the community.” he continued, “Given the diversity of background, experience and accomplishment, I am looking forward to seeing the ways in which the Class of 2015 will shape this community even as Augustana's high-impact liberal arts education works to transform them.”

First-year students are now attending Fall Connection, an orientation that includes programs on housing, study habits, campus safety, campus organizations and ways to serve in the Quad-Cities community.