Class of 2025 Welcomed With Virtual Convocation

“Congratulations. You are now near the end of the beginning of your college journey.”

With those words, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. David Szczerbacki today welcomed the Curry College Class of 2025 in a special virtual Convocation ceremony. Held via Facebook Live, the occasion was attended by hundreds of students online. The annual event officially welcomes the new students into the Curry community and celebrates the beginning of the academic year.

Watch: Class of 2025 New Student Convocation

President Kenneth K. Quigley, Jr. opened the virtual ceremony by explaining the significance of Curry College pins, a traditional Convocation gift which will be provided to first-year students in their Curry Launch classes this week.

“The pin symbolizes the start of your personal journey as a college student, and as a member of the Curry community. Wearing this pin at key moments in your Curry journey is meant to serve as a reminder of the belief that our College has in you, until finally, you wear it at graduation and the fulfillment of your academic, personal and career goals. We all look forward to sharing that moment with you.”

The Convocation student speaker John Taylor ’23, a psychology major and Student Body President, commended the entering class for overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to arrive at their new home at Curry, and encouraged them to get involved on campus, form relationships with professors and administrators, and ask for help if they need it. “The faculty and staff are all here to help us succeed, so don’t be afraid to make those connections…There are plenty of resources designed to assist in any situation here for you,” he said. “These include getting a tutor, getting help with study skills, or finding someone to speak to in the Counseling Center.”

In her remarks to the class, biology and biochemistry professor Dr. Stephanie Walker encouraged students to “be comfortable being uncomfortable,” as they examine new information and ideas in the safe learning environment at Curry. “You are in a new and unfamiliar place. You will meet different people, and you will stretch yourselves both in the classroom and in the many clubs and activities on campus. Create safety for yourself and your peers. Embrace being uncomfortable. You can do so knowing that you are surrounded by dedicated, accomplished and innovative faculty. We are here to support you in the discomfort and strategic instability essential to learning.”  

Dr. Szczerbacki concluded the ceremony with words of wisdom for the Class of 2025, advising them to take charge of their futures. “Now is the time to take the next step with confidence, passion and commitment. Now is the time to create your own destiny. Now is the time to focus. Now is the time to dream big. I wish you well as you launch your Curry College journey.”