Northwestern’s new students soak it in

College is a time to soak it all in.

During his first convocation address yesterday, Northwestern President Mung Chiang encouraged the Class of 2030 and transfer students to both receive — and create — knowledge in classrooms, labs, clubs, internships and study abroad trips.

“This is about not just covering a lot … but also uncovering much more about ourselves and the world around us,” Chiang said to the newest Wildcats during the gathering at Ryan Fieldhouse.

Also participating in his first convocation as provost, after 18 years as a faculty member, Erik Luijten described to students the thrill of Northwestern’s intellectual energy.

“What I believe matters most is your willingness to try new things,” Luijten said. “Don’t let the discomfort that often accompanies uncertainty hold you back. In fact, in my experience, I have found it can be thrilling to pursue goals with uncertain outcomes.

“In your unique way — with your talent, your perseverance and your creativity — you can and will make an impact on this complicated world,” he said.

Before heading out to the lakefront for the annual class photo, the group received a primer on how to engage across differences with intellectual humility by professors Nour Kteily and Eli Finkel, co-leaders of the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement, which combines research, curriculum and outreach to the Northwestern community.

“Part of the goal of the center is to teach you to listen well, to challenge some of your pre-existing certainties and teach you to identify some of the mistaken assumptions you might have — both about yourself and others,” Kteily said. “All in order not to get you all to agree, but rather to allow you to unlock the wisdom and perspectives of this diverse crowd you're going to get to call home for the next four years.”