A soggy walk to the New Student Convocation Friday morning couldn’t dampen the spirits of these Wilmington College freshmen, Zoe Smith (left) and Caroline Corcoran, on the volleyball team.
Submitted photo
Wilmington College President Corey Cockerill told the 308 new students who gathered in Heiland Theatre Friday morning (Aug. 16) that they are at the gateway to a new world of discovery as they embark upon their Wilmington College experience.
“You are poised to step across this threshold into possibility,” she said at the New Student Convocation, “the possibility through exploration of discovering who and what you’re meant to become.”
She also asked the students — 268 freshmen and 40 transfers, most of whom had been on campus only for one day — to introduce themselves to their peers on their immediate right and left. Quoting an iconic line from the classic film, Casablanca, “This moment could be the start of a beautiful friendship.”
Cockerill noted the threshold on which they stand could open doors of opportunity for academic, personal and social growth, but it could also cross international borders and take them into fantastic new worlds they never imagined. Wilmington College will offer mentors who will guide, challenge and inspire them on their journeys.
“Embrace the unknown, take risks, be open to new experiences,” she added. “The journey is about the dynamic person you will become at Wilmington College. Welcome to the beginning of your extraordinary journey.”
Senior Levi Hartschuh, president of the Student Government Assn., listed a litany of offices he holds in a bevy of campus organizations in which he’s a member. He said it not to brag but to illustrate “how easy it is to be involved” at WC. “Be yourself and create the best image of you — and get involved,” he said. “Start today to imprint your time at Wilmington College.”
Adam Lohrey, interim vice president for enrollment management, introduced the Class of 2028 and those transfer students who will be part of the classes of 2025, ’26 and ’27. The 308 new students come from 107 high schools in Ohio and 19 other states and four foreign countries (Sweden, Norway, Zimbabwe and South Africa).
This “unique and culturally diverse” cohort of students were leaders and student-athletes in high school. They possess a cumulative 3.4-grade point average and include 31 legacies, which are students whose parent(s), grandparent(s) or sibling(s) attended the College.
“Take advantage of the promises we’ve made to support, encourage and be there for you in a community,” Lohrey said.
