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December 9, 2024
Northwestern’s newest students — 2,400 strong and clad in purple T-shirts — gathered Sept. 18 for the New Student Convocation at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. President Michael Schill and other University leaders gave a warm welcome to first-year and transfer students and discussed success, responsibility and community ahead of the start of fall quarter.
Convocation and the festive March Through the Arch are two highlights of Wildcat Welcome, the annual on-campus orientation, which began last weekend with the arrival of international students. The events kick off a slate of fun activities and community building, including Norris at Night, a Northwestern football watch party and a comedy showcase, before the first day of classes on Sept. 24.
Susan Davis, vice president for Student Affairs, was the first speaker to welcome students to their first full day on campus.
Here, you will challenge yourself and redefine yourself as a person.”
“Today marks the beginning of what I hope will be an incredible journey for each of you; a journey filled with discovery, growth and opportunity,” she said. “My hope is that Northwestern is not just a place where you will earn a degree, but that it is also a place where you will forge lifelong friendships, explore your passions and challenge yourself in ways you never could have possibly imagined.”
Davis then introduced President Schill, who noted the Class of 2028 is one of Northwestern’s most diverse classes ever and one of its most international — a reflection of the University’s commitment to broadening access and diversity.
Calling the next few years “among the most consequential and memorable of your lives,” Schill went on to discuss two concepts deeply embedded in Northwestern’s mission and guiding principles: success and responsibility.
He encouraged students to connect to fellow classmates and their professors, get involved and take advantage of the resources the University offers. And Schill stressed the importance of challenging oneself, by taking classes outside one’s comfort zone and getting to know people who look or think differently.
“However you choose to focus your time and attention, I am confident your experiences at Northwestern will be foundational,” he said. “Here, you will challenge yourself and redefine yourself as a person. Here, through stimulating encounters and conversations, you will make some of your strongest and most enduring friendships. Here, you will find your voice and your sense of purpose.”
Provost Kathleen Hagerty and Associated Student Government co-presidents Caleb Snead and Ty’Shea Woods also addressed the crowd. At the conclusion, students took the field for the traditional class photo.
Although convocation marks the beginning of Fall Quarter on the Evanston campus, Northwestern hosted orientation events over the past few weeks at Northwestern Qatar, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Pritzker School of Law.
