Students of the Class of 2029 for their Convocation Ceremony. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
By Ella Prieto, Editor-in-Chief
On Wednesday, Gettysburg College welcomed the Class of 2029 in the Opening Convocation Ceremony, held on the north lawn of Pennsylvania Hall.
Professor of History and College Marshal Michael Birkner ’72 addressing the Class of 2029. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Professor of History and College Marshal Michael Birkner ’72 led the processional, followed by Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and College Chaplain Bright delivering the invocation and land acknowledgement. President of the Student Body Alfredo Roman Jordan ’26 then addressed the incoming class, discussing the reward of risk-taking throughout an undergraduate experience.
“So here’s my challenge to you,” encouraged Roman Jordan. “Be brave enough to take risks, but be wise enough to lean on the incredible community around you.”
Next, Professor of Chemistry Timothy Funk ’00 spoke, reminiscing on his time at Gettysburg with a focus on “discomfort and stupidity.”
“Acknowledge that discomfort exists and don’t avoid it,” explained Funk. “Putting yourself in situations where you know there will be discomfort is critical to personal growth and getting what you want out of life.”
He elaborated that “new knowledge, important discoveries and groundbreaking ideas” come from moments of “feeling stupid”, a concept he learned from the article “The importance of stupidity in scientific research” by Microbiology Professor Martin Schwartz at the University of Virginia. Harnessing that feeling leads to “solving problems that no one has answered.”
Funk then introduced President Bob Iuliano to deliver the presidential remarks and proclamation of matriculation, which officially recognizes the class of 2029 as Gettysburg College students.
Families and loved ones in the audience of the Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2029. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
“We are thrilled to welcome you to a place that will be your home not just for the next four years but, if you are like more of our graduates, one that will be a touchstone for the rest of your life,” stated Iuliano.
In his speech, he touched on the creation of tools by humans and how that changed our human reality. To do so, Iuliano remarked that this human most likely asked the questions of what if and why not.
“Two questions that were the first steps to the lives we lead today,” he remarked. “…These are the very types of questions that open the door to discovery and knowledge. Here are the first steps that, if you keep them in mind over the next four years, will help you get the fullest measure of extraordinary education we provide here at the College and will help you lead a consequential life.”
Provost Jamila Bookwala led the Honor Code recitation before Maren Carter ’27 sang the Alma Mater.
Maren Carter ’27 singing the Alma Mater.(Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
The ceremony ended with the Class of 2029 matriculating through Pennsylvania Hall to the south lawn. In May of 2029, at their Commencement Ceremony, they will process the opposite way.
Flag bearers leading the matriculation through Penn Hall.(Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Students matriculating through Penn Hall onto the south lawn.(Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Students matriculating through Penn Hall onto the south lawn.(Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
