With beanies on their heads, “H” pins on their lapels and pennies in their pockets — or left behind in Rock Creek — Heidelberg’s newest Student Princes officially became part of a tradition 176 years in the making Thursday during Opening Convocation.
The annual ceremony officially welcomed new and returning students into the Heidelberg community and marks the beginning of the academic year. For the Class of 2030, it also offered a first glimpse at the traditions and relationships that will help shape their Heidelberg experience.
Dean of Student Affairs Chris Abrams explained the meaning behind the traditions as new students gathered to cross T-Bridge before Convocation.
“These things may seem kind of silly, and you’re not completely wrong,” Chris said. “Traditions sometimes are. But they are a way to define that you’re part of a family.”
The beanie tradition dates back more than 100 years. The “H” pin serves as another visible connection to Heidelberg, one recognized by generations of students and alumni around the world. The penny, meanwhile, represents a choice: students can leave it in Rock Creek or carry it with them as a symbol of their commitment to either love or money.
“I hope that our traditions are the kinds of things that help bond you to the Heidelberg family, and ultimately, that you take with you for years to come,” Chris said. “The
experiences you have here over the next four years will stay with you for a lifetime.”
Opportunities around every corner
That sense of belonging was central to the messages from President Rob Huntington and Provost Courtney DeMayo Pugno.
“This is the official welcome to the Heidelberg community,” Courtney told students. “We are thrilled to have you here.”
She encouraged students to embrace the many opportunities awaiting then, not only in the classroom, but across campus and in the Tiffin community.
“The start of the year is full of exciting opportunities for each and every one of us,” she said. “These opportunities are curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular. They happen everywhere.”
Those opportunities, she emphasized, happen because members of the Heidelberg community invest their time, energy and care in students.
“We all have one thing in common: We are here to make opportunities happen, so please take advantage of them,” Courtney said.
Rob welcomed the Class of 2030, leaning into – and reinforcing – the Opportunity Makers theme.
“Since 1850, we are your Opportunity Makers on a student-focused mission defined by your classroom and experiential learning success, graduation, careers, and lives of Purpose with Distinction,” Huntington said. “Why? Because we believe in people!”
He also highlighted the accomplishments and varied interests of the incoming class, from athletics, music and theater to community service, entrepreneurship and the arts. The 317 new students include 292 first-year students. In all, Heidelberg welcomed 1,120 undergrad, graduate, and high school College Credit Plus full-time and part-time students who chose Heidelberg this year.
President’s advice for handling failure – and success
As students begin their Heidelberg journey, Rob reminded them that success has its twists and turns.
“Life is full of unexpected surprises,” he said. “Sometimes life takes a turn. We all trip on things, get knocked down, or simply fall short of goals.”
His advice: “Reset, refocus, and respond. Ask for help. Get back up. Help others get up again.”
And, most importantly, students should remember there’s support to navigate those challenges.
“In our caring community, please know that you are not alone,” Rob said. “You are with your Heidelberg Family!”
Fun facts about first-years
• 1 new student is from each of the states of Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina and North Dakota
• 1% of students identify as non-binary
• 2 countries are represented, in addition to the U.S.
• 9% come from Tiffin and Seneca County
• 11% are in the Honors Program
• 18% had a 4% or higher GPA in high school
• 24% are from underrepresented populations
• 28% attended Scholars Day
• 42% identify as females
• 44% are first-generation college students
• 57% identify as males
• 61% are starting with CCP, AP or transfer credit
• 74% are NCAA Division III student-athletes
“And 100% of our new students want to engage, socialize, succeed, graduate, and advance their careers at The Berg!” Rob said.
Many thanks
Many thanks to the students and faculty who made this year’s Convocation memorable, including: the Heidelberg University Marching Band; sophomore Simon Fletcher, who performed the National Anthem; Chaplain Noah McCarn for a thoughtful invocation; Student Senate President Shannon Petrulis, who introduced the keynote speaker; and the Chamber Singers, who performed Sweet Alma Home.