As a precursor to the official start of the 2013-2014 academic year, Saint Peter’s University welcomed freshmen and faculty during separate convocations on August 27, 2013.
The day began early for the Class of 2017. More than 650 freshmen – the largest incoming class Saint Peter’s has welcomed in 15 years – and more than 100 transfer students packed into the Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J., Recreational Life Center for the start of their day-long convocation.
“Today is a very special day,” said Nicole DeCapua, dean of freshmen and sophomores. “It marks the very first time the Class of 2017 has come together.”
She added, “I’m excited to work with these students and see them graduate in four years. It’s going to be a great academic year.”
Students filled the RLC with smiles and laughter, excited – and yet a bit nervous – about officially starting college the next day.
“It’s like starting your whole education again after high school,” said Nancy Borja ’17, a psychology major. “I heard Saint Peter’s is a diverse school, so I am excited about meeting different people and learning about different cultures. I want to have the best college experience I can.”
Darrell Rhines ’17, a business major, added, “I’m excited to just be on my own, manage myself and be independent.”
Matthew Feeney ’15, president of the Student Government Association, took to the stage to read the Petrean Creed, which outlines the educational and personal values that the students will learn and live by during their time at the University. Each freshman signed the creed as a pledge of their commitment to these guidelines.
University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., also commemorated the event, saying to the Class of 2017, “The term convocation comes from Latin meaning to ‘come together.” Freshmen Convocation is a ritual at Saint Peter’s. This ritual is a rite of passage for you as you enter the world of higher education.”
After students were introduced to the Freshmen Common Reading Program, they had an opportunity to meet with their faculty advisors in a classroom setting in Pope Hall. Finally, the Class of 2017 ended the convocation with games and a special barbeque in their honor.
In the afternoon, the Faculty Convocation, held annually in Roy Irving Theatre, honored Rev. Edmund Majewski, S.J., with the Bene Merenti award for 20 years of service to the University and Associate Professor of History Jerome Gillen, Ph.D., with a double Bene Merenti award for 40 years of service.
Faculty members were also honored throughout the program for being granted tenure and promotion, as well as for receiving fellowships.
After the awards ceremony, a reception was held in honor of the Bene Merenti recipients, where faculty, administration and staff from various departments of the University offered their congratulations.
