F&M Stories
F&M Welcomes Class of 2029
Members of the 顶级国产视频 & Marshall College Class of 2029 took their first steps as Diplomats at Convocation Aug. 21.
The time-honored event signifies the beginning of the College鈥檚 academic year.
Faculty and professional staff joined student families outside the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center to applaud the 515 first-year and transfer students proceeding toward the ceremony.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e in for a life-changing experience at an extraordinary place,鈥� said F&M President Andy Rich, who arrived on campus in July as the College鈥檚 17th president.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e in for a life-changing experience at an extraordinary place.鈥�
Rich emphasized one piece of advice: 鈥淎s you begin at F&M, be open to connecting with others.鈥�
鈥淚f you keep an open mind and trust yourself 鈥� and trust us 鈥� along the way, you will find fellowship, fun and fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams,鈥� he said.
Delivering an academic charge for the Class of 2029, Provost and Dean of the Faculty Sunita Gupta Kramer '92 advised students: 鈥淏e Diplomats with the courage to learn, to lead and to belong: to each other, to this community and to the world beyond.鈥�
Kramer shared the stage with 2024 recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award Scott Lerner, Arthur and Katherine Shadek Professor of Humanities and French and Italian.
鈥淕ive time to time in order to learn how to learn, and learn what you love,鈥� Lerner said.
Caroline Riegel 鈥�26, president of Diplomatic Congress and the student body, encouraged students to chart their paths with confidence.
鈥淵ou belong here,鈥� said Riegel, a mathematics major.
鈥淵ou were chosen to be part of this community because you offer something no one else can,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen you bring your perspective, your passions, your personality, it's not just welcome here. It's needed.鈥�
Members of the Class of 2029 march toward their F&M Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Newly appointed F&M President Andy Rich makes his debut speech at the Class of 2029 Convocation. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Caroline Riegel 鈥�26, president of Diplomatic Congress and the student body. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Members of the Class of 2029 proceed toward their F&M Convocation ceremony, led by Barbara Nimersheim, professor of mathematics and College marshal for the event. (Photo by Deb Grove)
International students display flags at their F&M Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Scott Lerner, Arthur and Katherine Shadek Professor of Humanities and French and Italian, delivers the Convocation address. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Members of the Class of 2029 celebrate at their F&M Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Students and families share hugs and tears at the Class of 2029 Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Members of the Class of 2029 visit the Lombardo Welcome Center. (Photo by Deb Grove)
New students take time for family photos on move-in day. (Photo by Deb Grove)
F&M President Andy Rich greets new students on move-in day. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Returning F&M students assist first-years on move-in day. (Photo by Tim Brixius)
Class of 2029 at a Glance
- 515 enrolled (493 first-year, 22 transfer)
- 32% admit rate
- 26 states represented
- 33 countries represented
- 26% international
- 16% first-generation college students
- 25% domestic students of color
- 15% PELL grant eligible
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