Class of 2016's Fresh Start begins Aug. 24

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College will welcome the class of 2016 with the traditional Opening Convocation on Friday, Aug. 24, at 1:30 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.

This year’s 331 first-year students will be greeted at 8 a.m. by nearly 90 Fresh Start upperclassmen, wearing tie-dye shirts. The Residence Life staff, Fresh Start volunteers and members of the football team will help the new students and their parents unload belongings into the residence halls. An additional 20 transfer students are expected to arrive Aug. 25 for orientation.

After unpacking is completed and lunch is served, the class of 2016 and their parents are invited to attend the Opening Convocation ceremony. They will receive greetings from Westminster College President Dr. Richard Dorman and Student Government Association President Tawni Darby, a senior public relations major.

Images from Fresh Start in recent years.

The Rev. James Mohr II, College chaplain, will give an invocation and a benediction. Erin Smith, director of Library Services and associate professor, will present the featured address, “What People Think I Do.” 

The Westminster Student Brass Ensemble will provide music under the direction of Dr. Tad Greig, associate professor and chair of Westminster’s Department of Music, while College organist Kathryn Miller will provide prelude, processional and recessional music. The Alma Mater will be led by Christian Heasley, a senior music education major. Heasley is a son of Daniel and Lisa Heasley of New Castle and a graduate of Laurel High School.

Images from Opening Convocation ceremonies in recent years.

After a special president’s reception, the parents of the first-year students will say their good-byes. When the parents depart, the new students will be divided among the Fresh Start volunteers, who will serve as the group leaders for the next week of organized activities.