By Katie Oglesby, Editor-in-Chief
On Wednesday, Gettysburg College welcomed the Class of 2026 for the 191st Opening Convocation Ceremony.
Faculty listen to President Bob Iuliano speak at the 191st Opening Convocation on Aug. 24, 2022. (Photo Lauren Chu/The Gettysburgian)
The ceremony began with Chaplin Bright giving the Land Acknowledgement Statement and leading guests in prayer.
Student speaker and Student Senate President Miranda Zamora ’23 began her speech by discussing her experience at Gettysburg College and the steps she took to become more involved on campus, particularly in Student Senate.
“During my two years working with the Student Senate, I have learned that our voices have a monumental impact and that our involvement with the campus can truly be seen everywhere,” she said. “Every student on this campus has the ability to make an impact simply by getting involved.”
She emphasized what she has learned from her roles on campus, and urged the first-years to become involved immediately.
“I have learned that no matter what differences we all have, no matter where we come from, or what we believe in, or what our dreams are, Gettysburg College students are all united in the sense that they are passionate, driven, determined, and that they go above and beyond in order to do great work,” Zamora said.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Tasha Gownaris gave the faculty speech. She began by telling families and students about her experiences over the summer working with two Gettysburg College students off the coast of Maine in collaboration between the College and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service monitoring seven species of seabirds on the island.
Environmental Studies Professor Tasha Gownaris speaks at the 191st Opening Convocation on Aug. 24, 2022. (Photo Lauren Chu/The Gettysburgian)
Gownaris spoke to the families of the incoming first-years, comparing them to the birds she studied over the summer.
“No matter how many hundreds or thousands of miles [the seabirds] travel over the winter, they will always return to the places that are home. I promise your fledglings will find their way back to you, empowered by their journey,” she said.
President Bob Iuliano spoke next, reminding students that while they may be nervous beginning college, it is an experience that will give them lifelong friends.
“Gettysburg College is a special place. It’s a place where special friendships are formed,” he said.
Iuliano shared his own experience struggling in linear algebra in college, urging students to learn from their difficult experiences and ask for help.
“Yes, we have rigorous academic expectations. We will challenge you to do more than you think you can do. It will be hard at times, but that is inherent in the consequential education you have earned here at Gettysburg College,” he said. “But when these moments come, and they almost certainly will, you are to recognize that you are not alone. Just about everyone experiences this during college.”
The students then recited the Honor Code, listened to Sophie Low ’23 sing the Alma Mater, and put on pins above their heart designating them as members of the Class of 2026.
“Congratulations Class of 2026 on your official matriculation into Gettysburg College,” Iuliano said.
To end the ceremony, the newly official Gettysburg College students walked through Pennsylvania Hall, in the tradition of the Opening Convocation Ceremony, to greet their family and friends on the other side. They will walk the opposite direction through Pennsylvania Hall during graduation in May 2026.
Families and friends of the Class of 2026 watch the 191st Opening Convocation Ceremony on Aug. 24, 2022 (Photo Lauren Chu/The Gettysburgian)
