Bulldog Beginnings

BWW

Hey, we know that starting college can be a little...daunting.

This is what makes UMD students special: Bulldogs adapt. Bulldogs are resilient.

Bulldogs roll up their sleeves and get stuff done.

As a NEW Bulldog, Bulldog Beginnings is here to help you get acclimated to being a college student. Bulldog Beginnings encompasses a number of academic and virtual and in-person social experiences designed to transition you into college. We host Welcome Week and Welcome Back Week activities for both fall and spring semesters. No matter when your Bulldog journey begins, we're excited to help you along the way!

The mission of Bulldog Beginnings is to provide meaningful, USEFUL transitional experiences that maximize students' potential for personal and academic success. 

And all the other good stuff.

Follow us on our socials to stay in the loop! @KirbyUMD on Instagram and Facebook!

Meet the Bulldog Beginnings Team!

Brianna

Brianna Coenen - BB Manager

Communication Sciences and Disorders Major with a Special Education Minor.

Hometown: Eau Claire, WI

Fun Fact: Lowkey adrenaline junkie!

Remi

Remi Foust - Event Planner

English, Writing Studies, Environmental Sustainability triple majors.  Professional Writing, Deaf Studies, and Digital Writing, Literature, & Design triple minors. 

Hometown: Savage, MN

Fun Fact: I’ve been dancing on pointe for 7 years

Jamie

Jamie Pierce - Event Planner

Communications Major with Music and HR Management Minors. 

Hometown: Edina, MN

Fun Fact: I have over 3 Billion Dollars in Ride A Cart Simulator.

Ella

Ella Swarbrick - Event Planner

Chinese Area Studies and Environment, Sustainability, & Geography double major with a GIS Minor.  

Hometown: Hudson, WI

Fun Fact: I hate tomatoes!

Lucas W

Lucas Wolner - Event Planner

Finance and Risk Management & Insurance double major with a Marketing minor. 

Hometown: Hastings, MN

Fun Fact: I am advanced open water and Emergency First Response Scuba certified!

Gigi

Gianna De Lorenzo - Marketing Assistant

Graphic Design and Studio Art double major

Hometown: Ramsey, MN

Fun Fact: All my fingers are double-jointed! 

Rachel Kraus

Rachel Kraus
Student Activities Coordinator

[email protected]
(218)726-8739

Rachel is an alumna of the University of Minnesota Duluth and holds a B.A.S in Psychology and a B.A. in Criminology. Prior to returning to UMD she earned her M.A in Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. 

Rachel believes every college student should feel like they belong on their campus. Her passion is helping students find their value and pursue their dreams.