Skip to main content

Westminster College to Welcome Class of 2017 with Opening Convocation Aug. 23

Posted on Friday, August 9, 2013

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College will welcome the class of 2017 with the traditional Opening Convocation on Friday, Aug. 23, at 1 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.

This year's nearly 320 first-year students will be greeted at 8 a.m. by 65 Fresh Start upperclassmen, wearing tie-dye shirts. The Residence Life staff, Fresh Start volunteers and members of the football team will help the new students and their parents unload belongings into the residence halls.

After unpacking is completed and lunch is served, the class of 2017 and their parents are invited to attend the Opening Convocation ceremony. They will receive greetings from Westminster College President Dr. Richard Dorman and Student Government Association President Emily Wiest, a junior early childhood/special education major. Wiest is a daughter of Scott and Sharon Wiest and a graduate of Saint Marys Area High School.

The Rev. James Mohr II, College chaplain, will give an invocation and a benediction. Dr. Colleen Burke, associate professor of communication studies, will present the featured address, "The Future You Hope for: Plans for Prosperity." 

The Titan Brass and Percussion Ensemble will provide music under the direction of Dr. R. Tad Greig, associate professor and chair of Westminster's Department of Music, while College organist Kathryn Miller will provide prelude, processional and recessional music. The Alma Mater will be led by Gregory McClelland, a senior music education major. McClelland is a son of Fred and Heidi McClelland of Sandy Lake and a graduate of Lakeview High School.

After a special president's reception, the parents of the first-year students will say their good-byes. When the parents depart, the new students will be divided among the Fresh Start volunteers, who will serve as the group leaders for the next week of organized activities.

Contact Gina Vance, associate dean of student affairs, at 724-946-7110 or email for more information about Westminster's Fresh Start Program. 

Move-in day August 2012