College to Welcome Class of 2018 with Opening Convocation Aug. 21

Westminster College will welcome the class of 2018 with the traditional Opening Convocation Thursday, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.

This year's new students (freshmen and transfers) will be greeted at 8 a.m. by Fresh Start upperclassmen who, with members of the football team, will help the new students and their parents unload belongings into the residence halls.  The incoming students are well qualified with 3.6 grade point average and 1048 SAT.

After unpacking is completed and lunch is served, the class of 2018 and their parents are invited to attend the Opening Convocation ceremony. They will receive greetings from President Dr. Richard H. Dorman and Bret Zimmerman, Student Government Association president and senior history major from Sykesville. The Rev. James R. Mohr II, College chaplain, will give an invocation and a benediction.

The academic processional will be led by mace bearer Dr. A. Dwight Castro, professor of classics, and marshals Erin T. Smith, interim associate dean of library and information services, and Dr. Richard L. Sprow, professor of English.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Dr. Jane M. Wood will welcome and matriculate the new class.

Dr. David L. Barner, professor of broadcast communications, will present the featured address, "1964: It Was a Very Good Year."  The Westminster Student Brass Ensemble will provide music under the direction of Dr. R. Tad Greig, associate professor and director of bands, while College organist Kathryn D. Miller will provide processional and recessional music. The Alma Mater will be led by Abigail Miles, junior communication studies and music major from Akron.

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, student activities and programs, at 724-946-7114 or email for more information about Westminster's Fresh Start Program.

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