TOPICS:
Curry College officially welcomed the Class of 2029 at its annual New Student Academic Convocation on Friday, August 22, a tradition that marks the beginning of both a new academic year and a new chapter in our students’ lives. The celebration began with a student procession from the Academic Quad to Westhaver Park with cheers and encouragement from Curry faculty, staff, and upper-class students, and continued with a formal ceremony inside Katz Gymnasium.
View the Photo Gallery
Watch the Full Ceremony
Rev. Dr. Marcus Hillpened the ceremony with a powerful centering that invited the audience to pause and be present in the moment. To the incoming students, Dr. Hill noted, “You already are carrying things you love—your passions and your personalities. You also carry things you wrestle with—fears and doubts. And then there are the parts you haven’t even discussed yet—your gifts and your callings that will quickly come together here at Curry. This is only the beginning. This is what connection looks like.”
In his welcome address, President Jay Gonzalez urged students to embrace opportunities and engage fully in Curry’s supportive community, uniting his message under the call to “Be Curry.” He encouraged the Class of 2029 to not only take full advantage of their time here, but to also embody the College’s values of engagement, inclusivity, and care for one another.
“Be Curry. Take pride in Being Curry. Take pride in being a member of this special community. Take full advantage of it. Lean into it. Be worthy of it.”
Watch: President Jay Gonzalez delivers Convocation welcome address
In addition to hearing from College leadership, including Provost Robert Shea, students also received a heartfelt welcome from their peers. Seniors Keelie Olkovikas ‘26 and Dabria Allardice ’26 reflected on their own college journeys, sharing how Curry has shaped them over the past three years.
Watch: Keelie Olkovikas ‘26 and Dabria Allardice ’26 deliver student Convocation address
To engage the new class in that same spirit of reflection, Keelie and Dabria invited everyone in attendance—students, families, faculty, and staff—to participate in a “Follow Your Dreams” postcard activity. Each person was asked to write down a hope, dream, or intention for the Class of 2029.
For Dr. Courtney James, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, that dream was for the Class of 2029 to be curious. “Let curiosity be your compass,” she said during her faculty address. “Curiosity is about not having all the answers but seeking them out anyway. Follow it. Be determined and watch the world open up to you in surprising and meaningful ways.”
Watch: Dr. Courtney James delivers faculty Convocation address
After reciting their official Oath led by SGA President Julia Jeune ’26, the Class of 2029 carried forward the charge to “Be Curry”—a reminder to celebrate this new chapter and to embrace the journey ahead with passion and purpose.