Students from the Class of 2029 beginning their First Year Walk. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
By Ella Prieto, Editor-in-Chief
On Thursday, students of the Class of 2029 participated in the First-Year Walk, a Gettysburg College tradition that began in 2003. The walk’s origin dates back to 1863, when Gettysburg students walked through town to hear Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Now, the first-year class traces those steps through the Gettysburg Borough to Gettysburg National Cemetery, where a special speaker reads Lincoln’s historic speech.
Students met in Christ Chapel, where they were addressed by President Iuliano. He discussed the origins of the walk, which was started by a student in the class of 2004.
“Perhaps one of you, or many of you, will create other enduring traditions that will help make this place [Gettysburg College] what it is,” remarked Iuliano.
After the speech, students exited the Chapel onto W Stevens Street, where they were met by faculty, police and campus safety to guide them on their walk. Turning onto Carlisle Street, students were met with the College community cheering them on, as well as free things from local businesses. Additionally, the Bullets Marching Band performed on Lincoln Square.
The Bullets Marching Band performing in Lincoln Square. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Once the students walked through the Cemetery, they gathered on the battlefield to the south. Maren Carter ’27 performed the National Anthem, followed by senior class president Aynsley Lane ’26 giving opening remarks.
Another tradition of the walk is Gettysburg Mayor Rita C. Frealing greeting the new class and presenting a key to the city to a member. This year, it was given to Awa Diop ’29.
The keynote speaker and reciter of the Gettysburg Address, Professor Michael Birkner ’72, addressed the Class of 2029 next.
“…Embrace what your decision to attend Gettysburg College offered,” said Birkner. “The chance to explore subjects you’re curious about, to give your best effort at all you do, whether it’s your coursework or on the athletic field, or for the different organization you doubtless will join. Recognize we learn by doing.”
See more photos from the walk below:
Members of the Gettysburg College community cheering on the Class of 2029. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Signs were made by the College Theme Houses welcoming students to campus. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
The Bullets Marching Band performing in Lincoln Square. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
