Welcome Class of 2015!

New Student Convocation is an annual Loyola tradition where incoming freshmen are formally welcomed as a part of the Loyola community. This past Friday afternoon, students, faculty, and staff gathered at the East Quad right in front of the Information Commons. Music played as students showed their excitement for the start of the academic year and enjoyed meeting new friends, while faculty and staff celebrated along with them.

I love this moment. It is so exciting to see many of the familiar faces that my staff and I have come to know over the course of the past year of campus visits and open houses. Now, these students are back on campus as freshmen starting their four-year journey, beginning with an exciting Welcome Week of activities.

I had the privilege of kicking things off at the New Student Convocation by sharing some information about the diversity of the class. Students in the Class of 2015 come from 41 states and 18 foreign countries. They have earned impressive academic achievements, with a 3.7 average GPA and average ACT score of 27. I recognized students for their contributions of service and leadership in hopes that they continue down the same path at Loyola. Students then heard from Dr. Rob Kelly, our Vice President of Student Development, and our Unified Student Government President, Mr. Sean Vera. Soon after the initial welcoming speeches, we transitioned into a ceremonial walk across campus where students were cheered on by many Loyola faculty and staff members. Back on the lawn of the East Quad, students heard from our Provost, Dr. John Pelissero, and our President, Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.

The highlight of the New Student Convocation is the guest speaker, who is the author of the shared First-Year Text, which all new students read over the summer before arriving on campus. This year’s speaker was Dr. Colin Beaven, whose book, No Impact Man, was discussed later in small break-out groups with faculty and students over dinner. Colin challenged the students to think about what their individual talents and passions are and how they can contribute to making society better. He asked them to think about all the ways they are alike instead of different. It certainly coincides with our Jesuit identity.

With today being the first day of classes at Loyola, things well are underway for the Class of 2015. Good luck!