There was an abundance of useful advice and traditions shared with the Class of 2022 as they were officially welcomed into the Heidelberg family at Opening Convocation Thursday.
In the official kickoff to our 169th academic year, Provost Dr. Beth Schwartz welcomed 363 new students to their “home away from home.” She shared three pieces of advice: Remember that your time here at Heidelberg is precious and fleeting, so find your passion, your voice and your best self, be intentional and make choices that count, and find and utilize mentors who are eager to help.
“You have incredible opportunities, wonderful advantages and a supportive environment filled with individuals who want to see you become successful in all your pursuits,” she said.
Encouragement from the President
Those themes carried through the entire Convocation program. President Rob Huntington reminded the students that Heidelberg’s priorities are to provide education excellence, student success and four-year graduation for each of them. “That is what we care about,” he said.
President Huntington encouraged the students to “get engaged, hang out with people who are different from you and grab onto the big opportunities and excellent advantages” that Heidelberg offers.
“It is our privilege to have each of you here to teach, mentor and serve. We are a better school because you are here.”
Young alum shares her ‘Berg journey
Reflecting on her decision to come to Heidelberg, keynote speaker Rebecca (Denton) Shope, ’04, said that everyone gathered in Seiberling Gymnasium – especially with diverse backgrounds – has one thing in common: “We all chose right” in coming to Heidelberg.
Shope, who is a partner in the Toledo law firm of Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick, LLP, remembered having big goals in high school but lacking the confidence to go after them. All that changed when she arrived at Heidelberg. “A good friend told me, ‘When you find a school that fits, you will be who you were designed to be.’ That really resonated with me.”
With her fresh start at Heidelberg, Rebecca decided to reinvent herself, stretch outside her comfort zone and get involved on campus. That made all the difference in her Heidelberg experience. “Be involved … because college is truly about finding what you want to do,” she said.
She credits her faculty mentors – calling out English professor Dr. David Kimmel and political science professor Dr. Marc O’Reilly – for helping shape her college years and point her to her successful career in law, and encouraged students to connect with mentors of their own.
Rebecca also offered these other pearls of wisdom for the Class of 2022:
- Keep in mind that college is a privilege. Don’t look back and fail to take advantage of opportunities offered to you.
- If you are struggling, reset and ask for help. Find a mentor and listen to them.
- Don’t lose sight of your personal values or your purpose.
- Don’t be afraid to speak out.
- Befriend people who are different than you.
- Treat everyone with respect.
If they do these things successfully, “You will become who you were designed to be.”
The traditions live on
Guided by Dr. Chris Abrams, dean of Student Affairs, new students joined thousands of their predecessors in putting on their red and black Heidelberg beanies for the first time. “This is a really cool tradition,” he said.
They also received their official “H” pins from upperclassmen, signifying their official entry into the Heidelberg family.
To conclude the ceremony, the Class of 2022 joined the Heidelberg community, the Marching Band and the Hei-Notes (formerly the Singing Collegians) in the singing of “Sweet Alma Home.” As they departed, the new students walked through the famed faculty gauntlet to applause – an enduring tradition that is duplicated at Commencement.