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 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
Ja'Riah Lamons ’28
Miami, Fla.
Major: psychology
Minor: philosophy
Hi, my name is Ja'Riah Lamons. I am a POSSE Scholar, the president of BLSU, a community advisor, admission tour guide, and a member of the sailing club. My favorite campus spaces include the Days-Massolo Center (DMC) and Howard Diner (Diner B). I'm excited to help first-years acclimate to life on the Hill!
Maliyah LeFevour-Preston ’27
Alaska
Majors: sociology and
theatre
Hi, I'm Maliyah (Muh-lee-yuh). I am an OP Scholar 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 odd jobs on campus (Jitney driver, Oral Communication Center tutor, TA, Environmental Studies assistant), 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
Miami, FLa.
Majors: government and philosophy
Hi! My name is Bri and 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!
Alex Persaud ’29
Florida City, Fla.
Delyne Tapa ’28
Cameroon (raised in Chicago)
Majors: economics and philosophy
Hi everyone! My name is Delyne Tapa. 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!
Tessa Chefalo (she/her) oversees Hamilton's orientation program, including 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 (FYE) program, designed to create social and resource connections for new students throughout their first year, and supervises the Office of Student Activities. Passionate about building inclusive spaces, Tessa helps new students make connections, utilize campus resources, and develop self-advocacy skills. She holds an M.S. in Higher Education from Syracuse University and a B.A. in English from SUNY Geneseo.
Contact
Contact Name
Tessa Chefalo
Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement
