In a "new" AU tradition, university faculty, staff and alumni greeted the Class of 2013 at the Aug. 21 Convocation ceremony in Bender Arena.
As part of the revamped ceremony, the students gathered on the Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle to follow bagpipers through Glover Gate and symbolically begin their time at AU. Separated into groups by their residence halls, the students proceeded through Bender lobby where faculty, staff and alumni clapped and cheered for the freshmen.
Held in the arena rather than outside, the new ceremony could accommodate more people, said SG President Andy MacCracken.
"The turnout was fantastic," MacCracken said. "It was much more than any of us had hoped for."
The ceremony featured MacMillan Pipe Band bagpipers, speeches by different members of the AU community and performances by the AU Screamin' Eagles pep band and the male a cappella group On A Sensual Note.
A slideshow with photos illustrating life at AU and signs created by the students during New Student Orientation hung behind the stage. The signs revolved around AU's core values, said Vice President of Campus Life Gail Hanson, summarized by the acronym IDEAS: internationalism, diversity, ethics, action and service.
MacCracken began the chain of speeches, stating "on paper" the Class of 2013 is the strongest class yet to enter AU.
"We have some of the brightest, most passionate and, be real about it, some of the best-looking students from all around the country at AU," MacCracken said.
But AU is more than academics and rankings, he said, emphasizing the importance of learning outside the classroom.
"You have 1,358 [days] until you graduate and become alumni yourself," MacCracken said, "so push yourselves. Go experience everything you can. In short, make the most of your time at AU."
MacCracken turned the podium over to President Neil Kerwin who said he was thrilled to see so many members of the AU community together for the ceremony. He pointed out the academic robes worn by the deans, board members and MacCracken - the first SG president to wear robes for the ceremony - stating they are an important symbol worn during important moments in the university's life.
"A few years from now, you too will put on academic robes and you will once again march into this room," Kerwin said. "That milestone will be your graduation ... the formal commencement of yet another, much longer, phase in your life: the beginning of your days as an American University alum."
Kerwin told the students they would leave AU educated, expert and experienced if they applied themselves in college. He reminded them of the obligation to themselves and the people who helped them arrive to that moment.
"We are proud that you chose American University for your undergraduate years and we will be proud to count you among our alumni," Kerwin said.
Provost Scott Bass echoed the sentiment that the Class of 2013 reflects AU's aims more than any other class. The 1,500 admitted students were chosen from 15,000 qualified applicants not just for their high school achievements, but because their interested meshed with what AU does best, Bass said.
"It's this notion of fit between you and American University that makes it possible for you to have one of these special and coveted seats in the room today," Bass said.
The students now enter a long-term relationship with the university, he continued, that demands hard work and engagement with faculty, peers and the nation's capital. Bass told the students he hopes every one of them will cross the stage and receive their diplomas in four years with insight and tools to better assess and influence the world.
AU alumna Erin Fuller, the final speaker to address the freshman crowd, came to AU twenty years ago. She described the changes AU has seen since she was an undergraduate student: freshmen have their own laptops instead of waiting in line to use the school computer and can now use Facebook to learn about their roommates.
There are 100,000 AU alums around the world, she said, and they have won Emmys and Oscars and even created Fuller's favorite lip gloss, she said.
"And you eventually will heal or dance or teach or explore," she said to the Class of 2013. "We hope you becomes as proud of us as we are of you today."
You can reach this staff writer at landerson@theeagleonline.com.
