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Event for Class of 2013 to set academic tone

Aug. 31, 2009

KALAMAZOO--More than 3,300 members of Western Michigan University's class of 2013 will be the first WMU students to enjoy a ceremony aimed at putting a formal academic stamp on the opening days of students' university careers.

A matriculation ceremony set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, in Miller Auditorium is designed to welcome new students to the University community and give the incoming freshman class a better sense of the University's traditions, goals and commitment to academic rigor. The event will feature participation by a large contingent of faculty members, a welcome by Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell and a keynote address by WMU President John M. Dunn.

At this first formal gathering of the Class of 2013, students will be introduced to the deans of their respective colleges, participate in a pinning ceremony and be asked to take an academic pledge. The ceremony will include a number of brief addresses by people representing various segments of the WMU community. It also will include an introduction to campus musical traditions--the "Bronco Fight Song" and the "Alma Mater."

"This is really a bookend--a ceremony for the entering student that is a counterpart to the celebration of student success and degree completion that we do at commencement," says Dr. Keith Hearit, vice provost for enrollment management.

"We want to launch student careers with a memorable event that formally sets the tone and gives them a sense of the excitement and purpose of college life. The theme for our inaugural ceremony is 'Capture the spirit. Capture the adventure.' That's a wonderful expression of the message we want to convey to new students."

Following the event inside Miller, new students will join University administrators and faculty members on the Fountain Plaza for a luncheon event dubbed "Pizza With the Profs." Both the matriculation ceremony and pizza party are part of WMU's Sept. 1-4 Fall Welcome activities.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
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