There are all sorts of ways to cultivate community, and a group of up-and-coming Bulldogs is doing just that—becoming friends ahead of their official arrival on campus in fall 2025.
Incoming first year student America Franken was inspired to get to know her classmates—and help them get to know each other. The result: the TLU Class of 2029 Instagram page.
Franken had noticed that many universities have Instagram pages highlighting their incoming freshman classes. “Since TLU didn’t have one yet, I wanted to change that,” the Austin native says. “I started the page because I didn’t want anyone to feel alone heading into this new chapter.”
Franken created the page, @tlu_classof2029, and began encouraging her classmates to send in their information. “Submitting bios and photos is such a fun way to feel seen and celebrated, it’s one of the first steps on this exciting journey,” she says. “A friendly comment or DM from a future classmate can make someone’s whole day. I’ve always loved bringing people together, and this felt like the perfect way to start building our class bond.”
The page speaks to what’s best about social media—its ability to create spaces where the seeds of friendship can be planted and begin to grow. “The page is all about helping us connect before we even step on campus,” says Franken. “It’s meant to break the ice, ease nerves, and give everyone a chance to feel like they already have friends waiting for them. Seeing familiar faces in the fall makes the transition from high school to college so much less intimidating.”
Franken gets a lot of joy out of helping to bring people together and seeing the results of her efforts. In addition to the Instagram page, she created a GroupMe—a group messaging board—exclusively for students in the class of 2029. “We’ve already grown so close! It’s been a great space for us to share our high school experiences, talk about what we’re looking forward to at TLU, and just bond over what’s ahead!”
On top of all that, Franken regularly sends out information for incoming freshmen. “We share a bit about who we are, why we chose TLU, and what we’re excited for, especially when it came time for housing and roommates,” she says. “Some students have told me the page helped them feel excited about TLU again, especially if they were feeling nervous or unsure. That kind of feedback means the world to me. It’s already helping build a real sense of unity.”
And the importance of that sense of unity can’t be overstated at the start of the college years, when a diverse group of strangers comes together to form what will be some of the most significant bonds of their lifetimes. The class of ’29 comes from Texas, and as far away as Washington state—everywhere from Seguin to Schulenburg, from Bellaire to Boerne, Conroe to Cuero. They’re committed to playing football, volleyball, softball, tennis, golf . . . majoring in biology, kinesiology, education, English, business, theology, and more. Within the group are future nurses, veterinarians, coaches, teachers . . .
But the common thread that runs through all of them is their choice to come to TLU, and there’s no time like the present to start forming friendships that will endure long after they’ve walked the stage and received their diplomas.
“I’m honestly so inspired,” says Franken, who plans to double major in dramatic media and political science. “Everyone seems kind, funny, talented, and full of ambition. I can already tell that the class of 2029 is going to do amazing things, both on campus and beyond. The energy and excitement are contagious!”
So what comes next? What happens after everyone gets to campus and meets in person, and how can these tools be utilized to keep the classmates tight as they move through college and beyond? “Once we’re all settled in, I see the page becoming a place to share class photos, exciting announcements or awards, campus events, and general updates that keep us connected throughout our time at TLU,” Franken says. “In the long run, I’d love to see it evolve into a Class of 2029 alumni network where we celebrate milestones, keep in touch, and maybe even reunite for future events. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! I haven’t thought too far ahead yet, but I think that would be really special.”