Welcome, Class of 2012
They arrived in large numbers to a campus waiting with open arms to greet them. The incoming class of 2012, numbering 450 – the largest in the college’s history – took part Thursday in the first of four Welcome Days designed to get their college careers off to a positive start.
At the annual new student assembly, Thandabantu Maceo, vice president for Enrollment and Marketing, officially presented the new class to Interim President Dr. Jim Troha.“Whether we have five students as we did in our first class on Nov. 11, 1850, or 1,200, the spirit of Heidelberg is in its mission,” Troha said. “Ultimately, it’s about learning, it’s about community, it’s about embracing another year of traditions, opportunities and challenges and growing together as an educational community.”
Speaking to the new students’ on behalf of Heidelberg’s distinguished faculty, Troha added, “We recognize and embrace the responsibility you place upon us this day, just as Heidelberg embraces your son or daughter. After 18 years under your roof, they’re now under ours.”
He told the new students that the next four years is not an endless road; rather, they are a bridge to promise and possibilities. “You must make the effort and have the courage to walk that bridge. This is where the road splits.” Troha told them the choice is theirs to determine how hard they’ll work to achieve their dreams. “Your dreams are here for the taking. The responsibility is upon you.”
The students were encouraged to be active participants in their learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. “Reach out, ask questions, stretch your mind, step outside of your comfort zone,” Troha said. “I hope you will choose not to be a four-year spectator, but a player.”
Senior Keenan Jones, president of Student Senate, reinforced the idea of getting involved. “It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends and learn more about yourself,” he said, adding that involvement extends beyond joining one of the college’s nearly 70 organizations to the “little things.”
“Even the little things help you grow as an individual … impromptu events have changed my life more than I ever thought possible.”
Jones said the college thrives off of student involvement. “Heidelberg needs your involvement to make it tick.”
The students also heard from music professor Dr. John Owen, winner of the 2008 Distinguished Teaching Award. In his remarks, Owen offered the new students three pieces of advice. First, beginning college equates to an opportunity to start over and become a new person. Second, he urged them to develop relationships with faculty members, one each semester. Finally, there is a direct correlation between academic success and attending class.
The students participated in a “pinning” ceremony. As each name was read, they received a Heidelberg pin to symbolize their entry into the Heidelberg community.Families joined their students for a farewell dinner to conclude a long day of moving into dorm rooms, group and residence hall meetings and social activities.
The new students will have plenty to do before classes start on Monday. During Welcome Days, they’ll also be involved in proficiency testing, information about issues pertaining to college life, games, community service projects, a football scrimmage and picnics.
Posted on Aug. 22, 2008