The enthusiasm was palpable Monday afternoon as members of Lawrence University’s Class of 2028 and transfer students made their way along the sidewalks of Main Hall Green, processing as a group from the Lawrence Arch toward Main Hall, then hanging a left and heading to Memorial Chapel for the annual President’s Welcome.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and family lined the sidewalks, cheering and giving high-fives as the students walked past—a hearty welcome to the 355 first-year students and nearly 60 transfer students. The rousing welcome, a kickoff to Welcome Week, is now tradition at Lawrence as incoming students process through the Arch to applause on move-in day; they will then recess through the Arch upon their graduation.
At the President’s Welcome, President Laurie A. Carter greeted the students with encouragement, saying the tradition that has the Arch bookending a student’s time at Lawrence symbolizes “the transition from one chapter to another” as students enter and then exit Lawrence.
“On behalf of all faculty and staff, we are excited to make this year—and your entire time here—extraordinary,” she said.
Carter noted that the walk through the Arch is just one of many Lawrence traditions that connect generations of Lawrentians, from the just-graduated class passing the class colors to the incoming class—it’s yellow for the Class of 2028—to the signing of the Honor Code, to celebratory events such as President’s Ball and Cabaret. Yet, the university’s attention is pointed forward.
“While we take pride in our traditions, our focus remains firmly on enhancing your time here and preparing you for careers of the future,” Carter said.
Kristi Koshuta, the first-year dean who helped lead the planning for Welcome Week, thanked the orientation leaders and assured the students and their families that they will walk this journey in tandem with the Lawrence community.
“Be open to trying new things, connecting with new people, and engaging in new opportunities and experiences,” she said. “Be willing to take risks. Be willing to fail. Be intentional in how you engage.”
The walk from the Arch and the President’s Welcome highlighted a busy day for the new students and their families. It included moving into the residence halls, a campus and community resource fair, campus tours, and a Class of 2028 photo, among other activities. The remainder of Welcome Week will be focused on engagement activities for students to get to know their classmates and become comfortable with campus and the surrounding community. Blu’s Welcome Bash, set for 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, will conclude Welcome Week with games, a photo booth, silent disco, giveaways, and live music, all on Main Hall Green.
See more photos from Welcome Week
The remainder of Lawrence students will move into residence halls and other residential spaces the weekend of Sept. 14-15. Fall Term classes begin Sept. 16.
Chris Clarke, vice president for student life, encouraged the new students to embrace the opportunities in front of them. Do so in the classroom and via involvement in student organizations, study abroad, community collaborations, and other co-curriculars.
“Your Lawrence education begins today,” Clarke said. “It is an education that is not bound by the four walls of a classroom. It is an education that is also not confined by the boundaries of our campus. Truly, the opportunities are endless.”
“It has been fun connecting with you this summer through our New Student Orientation series,” Koshuta told the new students. “But now is when the real fun begins.”
Ed Berthiaume
Ed Berthiaume is director of public information at Lawrence University.