Dickinson College Welcomes Class of 2023 During Convocation Ceremony
Photo by Carl Socolow '77.
Class of 2023 encouraged to begin journey as Dickinsonians with ‘courage and creativity’
by Lauren Davidson; video by Joe O'Neill
On Sunday, Sept. 1., the newest members of the Dickinson community made it official by signing into the college during Convocation. The ceremony included words of welcome from Vice President for Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions Catherine McDonald Davenport ’87, Carlisle Mayor Tim Scott and President Margee Ensign.
“At this pivotal moment in human history, facing unparalleled challenges, we need students of courage and creativity,” Ensign said. “And we need places of learning which foster and encourage that creativity. Places which nourish and inspire that courage. Dickinson is just such a place.”
The members of the class of 2023, representing 32 states and 16 foreign countries, bring with them impressive accolades, many already strong examples of that creativity and courage. They are chess masters, volunteer firefighters and U.S. Senate pages. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and built houses in the Dominican Republic.
“Take from your past experiences as actors, athletes, activists and authors and give to your new inclusive community of inquiry—your Dickinson—your time, talent and treasure,” said Davenport.
A Community Celebration
In addition to celebrating the new students, Convocation serves as an opportunity to recognize other members of the community for their efforts and service. A few of the awards presented include:
- 2019 Ganoe Award for Inspirational Teaching: Claire Seiler, associate professor of English
- Senior and Junior Sophister (highest ranking students in those classes): Mengting Chao ’20 and Sagun Sharma '21
- George Shuman Jr. and Mary Louise D’Olier Shuman Prizes (for superior academic achievement and outstanding contributions to the community): Carolina Celedon ’22 and Claire Simpson ‘22
- Howard Lane Rubendall Senior Scholarship (for distinguished leadership and service): Kathryn Beck ’20.
The newest members of Phi Beta Kappa also were recognized.
The Journey Continues
The Convocation ceremony marks the end of Orientation, during which first-year students spent several days participating in Pre-Orientation Adventure programs, attending First-Year Seminar classes, exploring campus and community resources, meeting with their college deans, engaging in discussions surrounding ethics and inclusivity, participating in community service and getting to know one another.
In four years, the class of 2023 will gather again in front of Old West to mark the end of their time as students and the beginning of the next step of their journey—life beyond Dickinson’s limestone walls.
Ensign concluded her remarks with this: “Be strong, be courageous, be open-minded, be involved, and, class of 2023, welcome to Dickinson College.”
View photos on Facebook of the class of 2023's first week on campus.
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Published September 1, 2019