Adrian College welcomed 580 new students to campus during the school’s annual Welcome Weekend, according to a community announcement.
The freshman class, which arrived Aug. 22, was greeted by the Bulldogs football team, which helped them move in. The students then attended a resource fair where college departments were available to answer questions.
Later, the new students and their families attended a matriculation ceremony in Dawson Auditorium, where they were welcomed by Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking.
“For those of us on this stage, today is one of the most exciting days of the year,” Docking said. “We love to see the wonder and anticipation in the eyes of our new students as you await the experiences that will define your college years.
Pictured is Adrian College’s Class of 2029.
“Today, you stand on the threshold of a magical time in your life — a time of growth, introspection, challenge and opportunity. These are years you will always look back on as special, never experienced before you arrived and never replicated after you leave.”
Adrian College has seen an incoming class of at least 500 new students for the past 18 years. The Class of 2029 includes 12 valedictorians and 36 students admitted to the honors program. Fifteen of the new Bulldogs are legacy students with family members who are Adrian College alumni.
Andrea Milner, vice president and dean of academic affairs, told visitors that matriculation ceremonies are designed to celebrate transitions.
More: Adrian College launches 20+ new degrees and minors this fall
“This ceremony recognizes that our outstanding freshman class is transitioning from home to a new home, from high school to college, from teen years to adulthood,” she said.
Students hail from various states and countries, though over 400 are from Michigan.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Class of 2029 arrives at Adrian College for Welcome Weekend