American International College Welcomes More Than 350 New Students to Campus

Before the semester began, alumnus Devonte Dillion returned to campus as the keynote speaker for New Student Orientation. Dillion, a 2017 graduate with a degree in communications and a minor in marketing, later earned his MBA from AIC in 2019. During his time at AIC, he was an accomplished student-athlete, playing in every football game from 2013 to 2017 and earning Northeast-10 All-Conference First Team honors in his senior year.

Students make their way to class on the first day of AIC’s fall 2025 semester. (Photo by Leon Nguyen/AIC)
 

Springfield, MA - On the morning of September 2, American International College (AIC) opened its doors to welcome students back for the start of the fall semester, including more than 350 new first-year and transfer students joining the campus community. This year’s incoming class was selected from more than 4,000 applications, reflecting continued strong interest in AIC’s academic programs and supportive learning environment.

Among the 1,000 undergraduates enrolled for the fall 2025 semester, Nursing and Criminal Justice are the most popular majors, with more than 300 students combined. These programs prepare graduates for careers in fields with high workforce demand. Reflecting AIC’s mission of access and opportunity, the undergraduate population represents a wide spectrum of racial and ethnic backgrounds, including:

• Hispanic/Latino: 29%
• Black/African American: 27%
• White: 26%
• Unknown/Unreported: 9%
• Two or more races: 5%
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 2%
• Asian: 2%

Students also bring a global perspective to campus, with representation from forty countries.

In January, AIC achieved federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), a distinction highlighting the College’s commitment to supporting Hispanic/Latino students while enhancing programs and opportunities for the entire community. This milestone aligns with national trends: the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has designated September 8–14, 2025, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. Hispanic enrollment in higher education is projected to reach 4.4 million by 2030.

“The start of a new academic year always brings tremendous energy to campus, and this class is no exception,” said Provost Michael Dodge. “Our incoming students represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations, and we are proud to welcome them into the AIC community. They embody the promise of what higher education can achieve—expanding opportunity, preparing future leaders, and strengthening the city of Springfield, Western Massachusetts, and beyond.”

Before the semester began, alumnus Devonte Dillion returned to campus as the keynote speaker for New Student Orientation. Dillion, a 2017 graduate with a degree in communications and a minor in marketing, later earned his MBA from AIC in 2019. During his time at AIC, he was an accomplished student-athlete, playing in every football game from 2013 to 2017 and earning Northeast-10 All-Conference First Team honors in his senior year.
 

AIC alumnus Devonte Dillion delivers a keynote speech during New Student Orientation on August 29 in the College’s Griswold Theatre (photo by Leon Nguyen/AIC)

Dillion, CEO & Co-Founder of Dilligence Training in East Hartford, CT, thanked President Nicolle Cestero and her leadership team for the opportunity to speak to a new generation of learners. “Being back on campus affirmed something I’ve always believed: this is the impact that comes from making meaningful connections and staying rooted in purpose,” he said. “As an alum, it means so much to contribute value to a place that shaped me, and I look forward to building upon this relationship with AIC.”

During his remarks, Dillion encouraged students to take the lessons they learn at AIC and apply them to their lives. “Don’t just chase success—define it on your terms, with discipline, intentionality, and integrity.”

As the campus comes alive with the energy of returning students, AIC looks forward to a new year of learning, growth, and community.
 
###
 
Founded in 1885, American International College (AIC) is a private, co-educational, doctoral-granting institution located in Springfield, Massachusetts, comprising the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Education. AIC supports and advances education, diversity, and opportunity for its students and the community.
 
1000 State Street | Springfield, Massachusetts 01109
413.737.7000 | 800.242.3142 | www.aic.edu