First-Year Students
Our events focus on building community, finding balance, and getting to know campus resources. We provide programs such as:
- Student panels on exploring identities and getting involved
- Dinner and discussion series
- Off-campus outings such as apple picking and bowling
- Financial workshops
- De-stress events
- And more!
Attend Events & Earn Points
Students can earn FYE points by attending programs, dinners, social outings, and other FYE-eligible events. Throughout the semester, you can redeem your points for prizes like FoJo or Barnes & Noble gift cards and FYE swag.
Meet the FYE Leaders
The 2025-26 FYE leaders are available as a resource for all first-year students and coordinate FYE workshops, social events, off-campus outings, and social media.
“I was a little scared of interacting in spaces dominated by upperclassmen, and so I appreciated that there were spaces carved out just for first-year students.”
FYE Leaders
Dana Blatte ’26
Elise Kwon ’26
Hey everyone! My name is Elise, and I’m currently a sophomore at Hammy majoring in biochemistry and minoring in music :) I’m originally from Southern CA, so I totally understand the struggle in transitioning to college especially for those who may be coming from farther places! FYE really helped and made my freshmen year a lot more fun :) I’m involved in various things on campus like orchestra, research with my professors, ROOTS (Society for POC in STEM), solo performance for piano/violin, MP2 Peer Mentoring, chamber music, job at the Career Center, and obviously FYE (the best hehe <3), so let me know if you ever have any questions about anything! Welcome to hammy :)
Ja'Riah Lamons ’28
Hi, my name is Ja'Riah Lamons. I am a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in philosophy. I am a POSSE Scholar from Miami, FL, the president of BLSU, a community advisor, a tour guide in the Admissions Office, a member of the sailing club, and an FYE leader. My favorite campus spaces include the DMC and Diner B. I'm excited to help first-years acclimate to life on the Hill!
Delyne Tapa ’28
Hi everyone! My name is Delyne Tapa, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Economics and Philosophy. I was born in Cameroon and raised in Chicago, so I understand adjusting from big-city life to Clinton, NY. I’m excited to help you navigate Hamilton's campus resources and have fun! I work with the Fellowship Office, and love cooking, chess, dystopian books, basketball, and I’m the best Clash Royale player on campus. Welcome to Hamilton!
Maliyah LeFevour-Preston ’27
(Abroad Spring 2026)
Hi, I'm Maliyah (Muh-lee-yuh). I am currently a Junior majoring in Sociology and Theatre, but I also take many courses in the new Native Studies Minor! I am an OP scholar from Alaska who participated in the summer program and served as a mentor, so I have extensive experience adjusting to a new setting and curriculum. I work some other odd jobs on campus (Jitney Driver, OCC tutor, TA, Environmental Studies assistant, and ofc FYE), so the chances you will run into me are high, so say HI (get it, high and hi lol?) When I am not working, you can find me acting in mainstage plays, doing research, and competing for our awesome Mock Trial team! Welcome to the Hamily :) Hope to see you around!
Briana Martin ’28
(Abroad Spring 2026)
Hi! My name is Bri and I’m currently a sophomore planning to major in Government & Philosophy. I’m a Posse Miami scholar well-versed in adjusting to Hamilton’s fast-paced, welcoming, and exciting (and colder!) environment. Don’t be afraid to say hi if you catch me outside of FYE, you can often find me working on media for the Levitt Center, organizing as BLSU Secretary in the DMC or playing guitar on Darkside. I’m so excited you’re here!
Tessa Chefalo (she/her) oversees Hamilton’s orientation program, including leadership of both on-campus orientation and the Exploration Adventure (XA) trip program, a branch of Hamilton’s signature 4-day immersive orientation trips. She directs the First-Year Experience program (FYE), designed to create social and resource connections for new students through their first year on campus. Tessa’s portfolio also includes supervision of the Office of Student Activities and the ongoing development of a campus life curriculum. Tessa received her M.S. in Higher Education from Syracuse University, and a B.A. in English from SUNY Geneseo. Tessa is passionate about building inclusive spaces for new students to make connections, utilize campus resources, and build self-advocacy skills.
Contact
Contact Name
Tessa Chefalo
Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement
