This year's Convocation ceremony welcomed the largest freshman class in nine years to the College.
The event included a presidential welcome presented by College President R. Barbara Gitenstein and a student welcome by Christine Cullen, SGA executive president.
Throughout the event, the freshman class was lauded for its achievements.
Christopher Fisher, assistant professor in the departments of African-American studies and history, praised the class' impressive r?sum?.
Fisher called the freshmen "the best the nation has to offer."
According to Fisher, the freshmen have an average SAT score of 1306, the highest in the College's history. The average ranking is in the top 7 percent of their classes, and 821 were members of the National Honor Society.
In addition, one incoming freshman has already published two full-length novels.
"(The College) faculty has some of this nation's best minds," Fisher said.
He also noted the seven to three ratio of women to men within the class, a fact that drew applause from male students in the audience.
Despite his praise, Fisher warned the freshmen class that "college is tough. It will challenge you."
One of the challenges facing the incoming class is to "understand and appreciate different points of view," Gitenstein said.
Christine Cullen, SGA executive president, encouraged the freshmen class to welcome the start of their college careers as a new beginning.
Cullen said the freshmen should strive to be good citizens of the College campus and endeavor to make decisions that will impact both them and the College community positively.
"Embrace this time of self discovery," Fisher said.
Jonathan Peck, Alumni Association president, spoke of the close bonds forged by students building a community within the College.
"We carry the spirit of this institution with us," Peck said.
"Tomorrow is opening day," Cullen said, "and this is going to be the best film of your life."
