By Laken Franchetti, Editor-in-Chief
On Wednesday, Gettysburg College welcomed the Class of 2027 during the Opening Convocation ceremony on Pennsylvania Hall lawn.
The Gettysburg College Convocation Band played the opening prelude to the ceremony. The processional was led by History Professor Michael Birkner. Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and College Chaplain Bright delivered the invocation and land acknowledgement.
Student Senate President Andrew Lemon ’24 then began his speech by highlighting the importance of connections and relationships at Gettysburg College.
“It’s the relationships that will define your Gettysburg experience and enhance you as an individual and as a person,” Lemon said. “Take the time to get out and forge these connections in our community. These empowering relationships will give you the confidence to steer through your college experience with a very clear and meaningful purpose.”
Andrew Lemon speaks at Convocation for the Class of 2027. (Photo Laken Franchetti/The Gettysburgian)
Lemon emphasized that although the transition to college may appear intimidating, students should remember that challenges come with great rewards.
“While starting college may seem very daunting, it’s also one of the most exciting times in your life,” Lemon said. “Do not get lost in the big waves of uncertainty and doubt. Rather, allow yourself to get on the boat and to sail freely… You will have the relationships you have forged here at Gettysburg as your anchor.”
Lemon then introduced Associate Professor of Economics Rimvydas Baltaduonis to give the faculty presentation. Baltaduonis warned students not to utilize artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT, instead, he urged them to push themselves and acquire knowledge through their own capacities.
“You will also be increasingly tempted in your studies, your home assignments, in your group work to cut corners and rely on increasingly available artificial intelligence, and it will be your choice whether you give it into those temptations or you decide not to develop your own capacity to acquire knowledge, to hone enduring skills, to expand your creative powers,” Baltaduonis said.
Baltaduonis spoke on the personal growth that Gettysburg College offers its students, and he highlighted the resources that can help students reach their potential.
“I always return to Gettysburg because this is a special place, a tight community of my fellow faculty, administrators, staff, students, alums, parents, [and] community partners who work together for a common good, for a greater good. That is the pulling force for this place,” Baltaduonis said.
Baltaduonis then introduced President Robert W. Iuliano to give presidential remarks. Iuliano highlighted his confidence in the students and urged them to remain curious.
“I’m confident of this: any effort spent in pursuit of curiosity will be more than rewarded in the breath and the depth of the knowledge you will obtain here,” Iuliano said. “It will ready you to take on whatever life offers and ask the sorts of questions for which authentic change occurs.”
Iuliano spoke on how more than 75% of the Class of 2027 opted into the new Guided Pathways program, which gives students access to a faculty advisor, a co-curricular advisor, a career advisor and an alumni mentor. He shared that this program reinforces the Gettysburg approach and the opportunities that the College provides.
Students process through Pennsylvania Hall. (Photo Laken Franchetti/The Gettysburgian)
“We see something extraordinary in you, and it’s for good reason,” Iuliano said. “It’s because of the countless small steps your class has taken to get here: your leadership, your drive, your empathy, your creativity, your resilience. All of that brings us to see the promise in you to take a giant leap during your time at Gettysburg to embrace this moment of change and become the person all of us believe you can be.”
Iuliano then conducted the proclamation of matriculation, and Provost Jamila Bookwala led the Class of 2027 in an honor code recitation. The students then listened to Adela Holahan ’24 sing the alma mater. To conclude the ceremony, Bright gave the benediction.
The Class of 2027 then participated in a tradition of the Opening Convocation Ceremony. The students walked through Pennsylvania Hall as a symbolic act of their entrance into the College community. They will process through the opposite side of Pennsylvania Hall during their commencement ceremony in May 2027.
