The ABCs Of Connecticut College

The Arbo, as we call it, is 750 acres of natural beauty. It includes the Caroline Black Garden, a nationally-recognized Garden for Peace, and Mamacoke Island.

A is also for Arts, Axolotls, Athletics, the Academic Resource Center and A Cappella.

Camels rank among the most unique mascots in the world. Let's be clear: our Camel has just one hump (it's a dromedary, not a Bactrian Camel).

C is also for Camelympics, Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, CELS, the Centers, the CamelVan and "Coasties" -- our neighbors at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Dance at Connecticut College is world-renowned. Students who study dance learn movement technique, dance history, theory, choreography and improvisation. All students interested in dance can participate in high-energy, student-run pop performances like Fusion and Eclipse (see the letter E).

Eclipse is much more than a dance show. It's a celebration of cultural awareness, heritage and history that's been going on since the 1970s. Each year, alumni from all generations return and fill Palmer Auditorium.

Dayton Arena, our ice rink, is open to all. Groups like Habitat for Humanity and the Skating Team often host open skate nights. Admission is usually free and skate rentals are about $3.

Katherine Bergeron, our 11th president, joined Connecticut College in January 2014 and was Inaugurated in April. (You follow @PresidentBergeron on Instagram, right?)

K is also for Knowlton Language House.

Since 1919, members of the junior class have led the Commencement processional, carrying -- you guess it -- a chain of laurel. Following the ceremony, the laurel is placed on a nearby hill in the shape of their class year to symbolize that the juniors are now seniors.

L is also for Lorde, the Laurel Walk and the Lyman Allyn Museum.

How many colleges have their own island? Mamacoke Island is part of the 750-acre Connecticut College Arboretum and is a beautiful spot for a hike. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the Island from the Athletic Center.

M is also for the Munchies Food Truck, MOBROC, Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport.

Connecticut College made national news in October 2013 when student-faculty research suggested Oreos can be compared to drugs of abuse in lab rats. There wasn't a news outlet that didn't cover the story (CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX News all ran stories). The Onion even joined in the fun.

O is also for OVCS (Office of Volunteers for Community Service), Oasis Snack Shop and for our Oscar-winning alum.

The College recently became an All-Steinway School. Beyond the Music, Theater and Dance Departments, pianos are also located in some residence hall common rooms for students to casually enjoy.

P is also for the Plex.

LGBTQ -- lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning -- students are at home at Conn. In fact, Campus Pride and Huffington Post named Connecticut College a top LGBT-friendly campus. There are mentorship opportunities and support services available, along with the beloved LGBTQ Resource Center for meetings and relaxation.

The artificial intelligence and robotics lab in New London Hall is home to a robot colony space. In this controlled environment outfitted with computers and ceiling-mounted cameras, students research artificial intelligence and the control of legged robots.

Shain Library is undergoing a $9.1 million renovation. When complete in Fall 2015, the library will provide more comfortable, usable, technology-rich study spaces. The project will also dramatically improve the library’s appearance and ambience. In the meantime, library services, computer labs and study spaces will remain available -- just in temporary, different places on campus. The mantra for the year? "No pain, no Shain."

S is also for Sunsets, Saplings and the organic Sprout! Garden.

Ultimate (don't call it "frisbee!") is one of the most active and competitive club sports, open to all. The team is really, really good.

U is also for Underexposed.