The area around the Cazenovia College quad was a busy place last Friday, as approximately 300 new students, along with their parents and family members, descended on Cazenovia for the annual freshman move-in day and welcome ceremonies.
Between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. last Friday, Aug. 21, the incoming members of the class of 2019 arrived on campus to move into their rooms. Legions of “orientation leaders” — returning students wearing neon yellow shirts that said “Chaos Control” on the back — were on hand across the campus to help unload cars and carry personal possessions into the dorms, as well as to direct students and parents to various locations around campus.
The weather was sunny and partly cloudy, and made a bright backdrop for the college’s annual outdoor Convocation Ceremony on the quad, which welcomes new students and celebrates the beginning of the 2015-16 academic year.
“I extend a warm welcome and best wishes … we are a close-knit community that embraces student success as our primary duty,” said Interim President Margery Pinet. “The next four years are yours. I urge you to take advantage and explore, build your personal resume … aspire to be distinct [and] extraordinary.”
Returning student Simone Maderal, president of Alpha Lambda Delta, also addressed the incoming freshman, and offered them advice on what she learned as a freshman. She encouraged the new students to talk to people on campus and make friends, to join clubs and participate in activities they enjoy, to know what they are capable of doing and what they are not and to respect themselves and their fellow classmates.
“Your freshman year is what you make it, so make it great,” Maderal said.
After an address by distinguished faculty member Mary Handley, the singing of the alma mater and a benediction by Rev. Betty Burlew, the ceremony was over. “You are now a part of the Cazenovia College community,” Pinet said.
There were hugs and tears as first year students said goodbye to their parents and moved on to orientation events. In the evening, the freshman class assembled to honor a Cazenovia College tradition by participating in the First Night Candlelight Ceremony.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at [email protected].
