St. John Fisher freshman follows in the footsteps of her father

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – It was move in day for St. John Fisher students. Some legacies will be walking the hallways their parents once did. The university will welcome the largest first year class in its history. The class of 2026 started a new chapter on campus. In the mix of over 650 students is first year student, Julia Perales.

“I’m so excited I cannot be happier to be at Fisher, the move in is going smooth and I’m just really excited,” Perales told News10NBC.

Perales is a freshman, and new member of the women’s basketball team. Her family tree is made up of a Fisher alumnus. Her father, Jose Perales is the vice president of enrollment for the university. He too played basketball for the school in the 90’s. Julia is set to dribble on the court in his jersey number.

“Number 11 has always been my number so I’m excited to carry in his footsteps,” Julia said in excitement.

Her father got emotional, talking about moving her on to campus.

“My oldest daughter Julia, “Jules” is moving in, we’re really excited because we feel so strongly about Fisher, and we know the experience she’s going to get here, we know what kind of environment it is, we’re very excited.”

This is the largest first year class to hit the campus in the university’s history.  University leaders say the 2026 class is also the most diverse class to date. Some of the top academic majors are nursing, biology, finance, and more.

About 87% of students will be living on campus. Students told us, with COVID restrictions more relaxed, the “normal college experience” factor is even more exciting.