A crowd of 435 new students marked the start of another year in Gambier when they were officially welcomed to the Hill on Sunday, Aug. 24 during Opening Convocation.
Surrounded by dozens of faculty dressed in full academic regalia, President Julie Kornfeld used the annual ceremony to celebrate the newest members of the Kenyon community and the liberal arts education that she promised will transform them — and the world.
“In choosing a liberal arts education, you have chosen a path that will prepare you to become the kind of engaged citizen that this world needs. … My personal goal for each and every one of you is to leave here ready to be a difference maker in the world around us,” she said, speaking from Toan Indoor Track in the Lowry Center.
Kornfeld urged members of the Class of 2029 and transfer students to make the most of their time in this unique community.
“It’s invigorating to live in a place like this,” she said. “Here you are surrounded by others who have chosen to dedicate themselves to exploring the unknown, expanding boundaries and pursuing understanding — together.”
The new students — chosen from close to 8,000 applicants — arrived with impeccable academic credentials, including an average weighted grade point average of 4.14, according to Diane Anci, vice president for enrollment management and dean of admissions and financial aid.
In introducing the group of new students, she pointed out that they bring a great diversity of experience. They come from more than 40 states and 20 countries; a quarter identify as domestic students of color and 10 percent are international.
But most important, she said, the arrival of the newest members of the Kenyon community “renews us and makes us better.” She continued: “We know you’re ready. … You came to us because you belong here.”
Trustee Maraleen Shields ’00 talked about the many ways that a Kenyon education can change a person — long after their undergraduate education is over. “You’re not here to memorize answers, but to build skills, values and habits that will guide you long after you leave here,” she said.
And central to that work is the College’s faculty, who have distinguished themselves in their fields but have chosen Kenyon because of their passion for teaching, according to Provost Jeff Bowman. “The opportunity for one-on-one interactions with Kenyon’s faculty is one of the most rewarding opportunities you will have here,” he said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Celestino Limas encouraged new students to bring a sense of grace and understanding to their new home, especially when they meet people with differing viewpoints: “Rather than write someone off as naive, ignorant, wrong or socially awkward, entertain the idea of being generous with forgiveness, as that is a skill in short supply in the world today.”
Continuing that theme, Student Council President Christiane Betfarhad ’26 reassured her new peers that they are entering a community that is uniquely supportive, a fact that reveals itself daily. “It’s professors who notice when you’re not yourself and check in. It’s classmates showing up to your away games to beat Denison. It’s the crowd cheering when your friend finishes their big solo in Rosse (Hall),” she said. “It’s everywhere on campus.”
Immediately following the ceremony, new students got a taste of that for themselves as they gathered on the steps outside Rosse Hall. There they joined together in traditional College songs as part of the New Student Sing under the direction of Professor of Music Benjamin “Doc” Locke.
Watch a recording of Opening Convocation. View the full weekend photo album.
