Class of 2020 Welcomed at New Student Convocation

The New Student Convocation was held on Monday, August 29, officially welcoming the Class of 2020 to the Curry College community.  The ceremony included student, faculty and alumni speakers, who shared their experiences and advice with the incoming first-year students.

Photo Gallery: The 2016 New Student Convocation

In what has become an annual tradition, faculty and staff lined the walkway to the Student Center to applaud the students as they walked across Westhaver Park for the ceremony. Faculty members, adorned in traditional academic regalia, then joined the processional into Katz Gymnasium.

Watch the full student procession

Curry College President Kenneth K. Quigley, Jr. welcomed the Class of 2020, encouraging students to get involved in everything Curry has to offer.

"We have great expectations for you - expectations for your success, expectations for your service, expectations for your contributions to our community, both inside and outside the classroom - and we are confident in your ability to do that."

Community Health and Wellness major Abby Pieger (Class of 2017) stressed academics as a priority, but also urged the group to enhance their experience by expanding their horizons.   

"Enjoy everything Curry has to offer...while your Curry College chapter is just about to begin, make sure to write yourself in as much happiness and laughter as you possibly can. The pen is in your hands."

Watch: Abby Pieger delivers student Convocation speech

Dr. Lindsay Illich, Associate Professor of Humanities, inspired students to see college as means to open their eyes, their minds and eventually doorways to opportunity. 

"By 2020, I hope you gain perspective.  Where you were shortsighted, your vision will be oriented toward the long-term. You will be forward facing....gaining historical perspective, personal perspective and respect for the perspective of others."

Watch: Dr. Lindsay Illich delivers faculty Convocation speech

Alfredo Maldonado '01 (Management) Assistant Complex Director and Head of Sales for UBS, gave the ceremony keynote address to the incoming class.  Maldonado hearkened back to his days on the Milton campus.

"I have some great memories here making lifelong friends, challenging myself academically, and starting my career from this very campus.  Class of 2020, I am so excited for you to begin your own journey."

Watch: Alfredo Maldonado '01 delivers the Convocation keynote speech

Following the keynote speech, Curry College Provost Dr. David Szczerbacki officially matriculated the members of the Class of 2020, who then stood proudly while Jared Berman '17, Student Representative of the Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society, led the recitation of the Curry Class Oath.

Both the National Anthem and the Curry College Alma Mater were performed by students from Curry College student music ensembles, Pure Vocals (a capella) and Sing! (choir).  The groups were led under the direction of David McInnis, Pure Vocals President and Dr. Julian Bryson, Assistant Professor, Fine and Applied Arts.