New Student Convocation

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George �鶹��Ƶ welcomes record number of incoming students for fall 2025

ckearney — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:28:59 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ welcomes record number of incoming students for fall 2025 ckearney Mon, 08/25/2025 - 15:28

�鶹��Ƶ welcomed the largest incoming class in university history at New Student Convocation on Friday, with administrative, faculty and student speakers encouraging the newcomers to take full advantage of their academic and social opportunities, including robust campus involvement.

Students gathered in EagleBank Arena for the New Student Convocation. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Students like you come to George �鶹��Ƶ to receive a world-class education, graduate with little or no debt, and land a fantastic job on the back end,” President Gregory Washington told the enthusiastic throng at EagleBank Arena. “That is the reason why George �鶹��Ƶ is No. 1 in the state…for upward mobility. It does not matter where your Point A is. We get you to a spectacular Point B.”

Washington reminded students that they now attend the largest and most diverse public university in Virginia, a top-tier research institution that has leapt 110 spots in the Wall Street Journal rankings since 2020 and is one of only two universities in the nation to be both top 20 in free speech and a five-star Campus Pride Index university.

“We don’t just look different,” Washington said. “We think different. We act different. And you know what? We figure out a way to make it all work together, and we do that better than anyone else in the country.”

Isaiah Grays, student body president, shared his experiences as an out-of-state student. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Washington advised students to use PatriotAI as a strategic tool and not a shortcut, and to find ways to get involved with the Grand Challenge Initiative by studying the six areas of focus and working alongside faculty members who are tackling these issues.

Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, told the incoming students that the communication, problem-solving and other skills they learn will enable them to adapt and switch jobs and careers—including occupations that do not yet exist.

“It’s not your major that’s going to dictate where you will or will not go,” Renshaw said. “It’s what you do with your major, and what you do with the opportunities you can take advantage of here. At George �鶹��Ƶ, we don’t want you to just gain knowledge. We want you to use knowledge.”

Keynote speaker Randy Lioz, founder and consultant for Depolarizing Organizational Cultures, encouraged students to move beyond the isolation of a “phone-based life” to engage with others, particularly fellow students of different backgrounds, to promote greater understanding and spur new connections.

“The research is unmistakable,” said Lioz, who is pursuing a master’s degree in conflict analysis and resolution at the university. “The more we avoid each other, the more we misunderstand each other. That avoidance is taking a very personal toll, especially on our relationships. What I want you to realize about being at a place like George �鶹��Ƶ is it’s about the people who surround you and the opportunities they bring to broaden your view of the world.”

Undergraduate student body president Isaiah Grays echoed that theme. Grays recalled coming to the university last year as an out-of-state freshman full of uncertainty about what life might be like in his new environment. All students, he said, should realize they have at least one thing in common—George �鶹��Ƶ as a “shared destination.”

“Many of you may feel a sense of apprehension from the unknown,” Grays said. “But your college experience is shaped by your willingness to branch beyond what you are familiar with.”

Students learned about the many physical and mental health resources available to them, as well as the university’s more than 500 registered student organizations, from Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell.

“You are going to thrive here, and we’re going to do everything we can to support you in that,” she said.

They also got a crash course from Doc Nix and the Green Machine on learning the university fight song,

“You’re in a family now,” Washington said. “We affectionately call it ‘the �鶹��Ƶ Nation.’ And you’re a big part of that.”

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Welcome2�鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ welcomes the largest new undergraduate class in its history

ckearney — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:12:26 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ welcomes the largest new undergraduate class in its history ckearney Mon, 08/26/2024 - 16:12

�鶹��Ƶ leadership, faculty, and staff officially welcomed the largest and most diverse incoming freshman class in the university’s history. The incoming undergraduate class—combined freshmen and transfers—also reached an all-time high for George �鶹��Ƶ.

Professor Michael "Doc Nix" Nickens takes a selfie during Friday's Convocation in EagleBank Arena. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Photo by Office of University Branding

“You’ll learn how to talk to people who see the world differently,” said George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington, whose remarks kicked off New Student Convocation at EagleBank Arena on Friday. “You learn more by engaging with those who disagree…. Listening doesn't commit you to agreeing.”

This incoming class is notable for several reasons:

Largest incoming undergraduate class at more than 7,600 students
Largest freshman class, with more than 4,600 new first-year students
Most diverse freshman class—driven by growth in Hispanic and African American students
Most academically talented first-year class, with 1.5% more students with GPAs greater than 3.5 compared with fall of 2023
A three-year high for new transfer students—an increase of 4% over last fall
Almost 400 students enter from the high schools the university has targeted for direct admissions
Students in the university’s ADVANCE Program partnership with Northern Virginia Community College make up 16% of all new transfer students, up 2% from last year

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Student body president Maria Alejandra Romero Cuesta, an international and first-generation student from Colombia, acknowledged the hard work required to earn a George �鶹��Ƶ degree but told the newcomers at convocation that it will be a “euphoric, transformative, and deeply enlightening” experience.

“We start by jumping in the deep end by putting yourself in rooms that spark constructive discomfort, that challenge you and enable you to challenge others by speaking up in classes,” Cuesta said. “We collectively enrich our understanding and strengthen our ability to thrive in a world made by difference. Everywhere you go together, we create a more empathetic community.”

Incoming students are encouraged to engage faculty, academic advisors and success coaches, and also to use career services supports and mental health resources for when they feel like they need assistance.

“Talk with any staff member or faculty member. Talk with each other, whomever you're comfortable with,” Vice President Rose Pascarell of University Life said. “We'll get you to the right place, the right person, the right website, the right conversation. Patriots thrive together, and this is your community now.”

To close out the event, Doc Nix and the Green Machine gave new students a crash course on the university fight song, with an assist from a few of the university’s basketball coaches.

Join the �鶹��Ƶ Nation

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Strategic Direction

2023 New Student Convocation in pictures

Damian Cristodero — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:49:27 +0000

2023 New Student Convocation in pictures Damian Cristodero Mon, 08/21/2023 - 14:49

There will be plenty of time for studying, tests, and papers for �鶹��Ƶ's largest and most diverse incoming class. But on Friday, it was all smiles as the students were welcomed to campus at the New Student Convocation.

"The world is here," President Gregory Washington said to the students. "You'll have the opportunity to engage it like nowhere else in the country. �鶹��Ƶ is a place where the only limits are the limits you place on yourself."

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

At more than 4,400 students, this incoming freshman class is the largest and most diverse freshman class in �鶹��Ƶ history.

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Check out the photo gallery

�鶹��Ƶ’s newest students learn ‘we’re in this together’ at Convocation, Welcome Week events

ckearney — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:28:43 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ’s newest students learn ‘we’re in this together’ at Convocation, Welcome Week events ckearney Mon, 08/21/2023 - 14:28

In welcoming the largest incoming class in �鶹��Ƶ history Friday at convocation, �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington congratulated students for choosing a university with extensive undergraduate research opportunities, nation-leading diversity, world-class faculty, proximity to a dynamic job and internship market, and career outcomes that validate the value of their �鶹��Ƶ degree.

“What we have given you is a tremendous opportunity for success,” Washington said, clad in academic regalia like the other �鶹��Ƶ leaders onstage. “And what we want to do here at �鶹��Ƶ is position you to grab that success like no other institution.

“The world is here,” he added. “You’ll have the opportunity to engage it like nowhere else in the country. �鶹��Ƶ is a place where the only limits are the limits you place on yourself.”

�鶹��Ƶ’s incoming freshman class is not only its largest, at more than 4,400 students, but also the most diverse freshman class in �鶹��Ƶ history, and the most academically prepared, with 71% of freshmen having a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

With the Green Machine providing a boisterous soundtrack at EagleBank Arena, the new students heard from a host of speakers as part of this year’s theme: “We’re in This Together.”

Keynote speaker Keith Renshaw, a psychology professor and associate provost of undergraduate education, acknowledged the “swirl of emotions” the newest Patriots might be experiencing.

“One of the most incredible things about us is our diversity,” Renshaw said. “And our diversity stretches across any way you want to slice it. Race, ethnicity, sexual identity, gender identity, military and veteran status, age, life circumstance, single, married, divorced, parent, political persuasion, religion, nationality. But across all of it, you have at least one thing that binds you. You are all part of �鶹��Ƶ Nation now.”

Listening to others and sharing vulnerability are the keys to deep interpersonal connections, Renshaw said, adding that the more intently you listen to try to understand someone’s dissenting point of view, the better chance you have of changing their mind—or your own.

“Somewhere in this crowd is someone you don't yet know, but who you disagree with,” Renshaw said, pacing the stage. “So fundamentally, you cannot imagine being in a conversation with them. I am here to tell you they are your people, too. Because we are �鶹��Ƶ. We define ourselves by including people, not excluding people.”

Sharnnia Artis, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, noted how �鶹��Ƶ is one of the nation’s top universities for ethnic diversity, freedom of expression, providing an LGBTQ-friendly learning environment and excelling at serving military veterans and nontraditional students. These qualities “cultivate an environment where every individual finds their place and their purpose…. Belonging is at the heart of our community. I encourage you to venture out with open hearts and open minds.”

Provost Mark Ginsberg and Janette Muir, vice provost for academic affairs, welcomed the incoming class and acknowledged the faculty and deans on hand. Rose Pascarell, vice president for University Life, told students that an active social life—�鶹��Ƶ offers more than 460 student organizations—can enhance their academic performance. Students can participate in a variety of Welcome2�鶹��Ƶ events through Sept. 22.

Student Body President Paul Wyche, a rising junior in the Honors College majoring in cybersecurity engineering, recalled how convocation inspired him to become active in Student Government. He encouraged his new classmates to make their mark on �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses.

“Being a student leader here at �鶹��Ƶ isn't something that you have to be elected to do,” Wyche said. “All you need to do is find something you're passionate about and work toward that passion.”

On Friday, it was all smiles as the students were welcomed to campus at the New Student Convocation.

Check out Welcome2�鶹��Ƶ Events

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Gregory Washington

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�鶹��Ƶ welcomes its largest, most diverse freshman class to date at New Student Convocation

ckearney — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 20:30:51 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ welcomes its largest, most diverse freshman class to date at New Student Convocation ckearney Fri, 08/19/2022 - 16:30

In This Story

Gregory Washington

President Gregory Washington at the 2022 New Student Convocation at EagleBank Arena. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

�鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington welcomed thousands of new students Friday by informing them they had already made two of the most important decisions of their lives—whether and where to go to college.

“I contend to you, these are great choices!” Washington told the newest Patriots at a spirited New Student Convocation at EagleBank Arena. �鶹��Ƶ this fall welcomes the largest (about 4,200) and most diverse freshman class in its history.

Washington rattled off several points to support his contention—the opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty at a top research university, diverse student demographics that resemble what the country will soon look like, bountiful internship and job opportunities in the Washington, D.C., region, and a host of others.

“They’re all keys to your success,” Washington said, with special shout-outs to first-generation students and community college transfers. “Just take a key and open a door…. �鶹��Ƶ is a place where the only limits are the limits you place on yourself.”

Students learn the Fight Song at New Student Convocation. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

Provost Mark Ginsberg posed a question to the students, asking, “Do you know what time it is? It’s �鶹��Ƶ’s Time,” he said to cheers. “It’s also another time. It’s your time. It’s your time to explore. It’s your time to meet new friends. It’s your time to learn new things. And it’s your time to push yourself to new heights.”

Faculty keynote speaker Karen Akerlof, assistant professor in the College of Science, encouraged the students to engage in “good trouble” by determining what social changes they would like to see on campus, in their hometowns, or even nationally or internationally, and what actions they can take to help achieve them.

To spur opportunities for student impact, Akerlof said the Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECIL) will host monthly hour-long “community conversation circles” throughout the fall semester.

�鶹��Ƶ student body president Sophia Nguyen told students to be open to new experiences. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

“You don’t have to wait until you come back here for graduation in your robes to start thinking about and acting on the ways in which you want to make an impact on the world,” Akerlof said. “Both in and outside of the classroom, this university is a place where you can explore these questions, work with others, and make your voices heard.”

Doc Nix and the Green Machine surely got the students to make their voices heard in a different context—by teaching them the university fight song and making a date to meet back up at EagleBank Arena on October 14 to kick off basketball season with �鶹��Ƶ Madness.

�鶹��Ƶ student body president Sophia Nguyen recalled feeling confused and overwhelmed, yet eager, as a first-year �鶹��Ƶ student, but said she soon busied herself in various campus activities.

Students show off their new �鶹��Ƶ hoodies. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

“You’ll find that there’s always something every day for everyone here at �鶹��Ƶ,” said Nguyen, who held a White House internship this summer. “You just have to be open to finding it.”

Washington emphasized to the incoming students to be mindful of their mental health and to take advantage of the many resources available to help them.

“Remember one thing,” he said. “You are not alone. You are never alone—even if you might feel that way sometimes. This is indeed a family, and you are a part of that family.

“Our faculty, staff, students and alumni—we all take care of each other. And we’re going to take care of you, too.”

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Center of Community Engagement and Civic Learning CECiL

Green Machine

Meet the Class of 2026

�鶹��Ƶ’s new—and returning—Patriots welcomed at two in-person convocation ceremonies

ckearney — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 22:16:26 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ’s new—and returning—Patriots welcomed at two in-person convocation ceremonies ckearney Fri, 08/20/2021 - 18:16

�鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington and a host of �鶹��Ƶ student, faculty and staff representatives welcomed the largest incoming class in the university’s history at two convocations Friday, Aug. 20. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

�鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington and a host of �鶹��Ƶ student, faculty and staff representatives welcomed the largest incoming class in the university’s history at two convocations Friday, challenging the newest Patriots to push themselves academically, get involved on campus and prepare to tackle the grand challenges of our time.

“Don’t be afraid to lead,” Washington said in the second ceremony to a socially distanced audience in EagleBank Arena. “Your generation has been called. No other generation in recent memory has had to go through what you’ve had to go through to be here today.

“You are Patriots. The challenges, the change, and the competition that’s in front of you, I know, is not going to deter you. Patriots don’t run from challenges. We run into them. And that’s why you are here.”

�鶹��Ƶ is the largest and most diverse public university in Virginia, and the freshman class bears that out, with more than 4,000 students, 56% of whom are non-white, both all-time highs. This is also the largest group of new students, counting undergraduate, graduate and law students, to ever enroll at �鶹��Ƶ.

Convocation attendees were taught the �鶹��Ƶ Fight Song by Doc Nix and the Green Machine. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

The convocation attendees—taught the university fight song by Doc Nix and the Green Machine—also included some second-year students who did not have an in-person convocation of their own last year.

“This is your time,” �鶹��Ƶ Provost Mark Ginsberg told the students. “It’s your time to explore. It’s your time to make new friends. It’s your time to learn new things. But it’s also your time to push yourself to new heights. Most of all, it is your time to thrive.”

Bethany Usher, associate provost for undergraduate education, referred to the incoming class as “the best prepared set of students that we’ve ever had,” not only because of their academic credentials, but because of the resilience, grit and flexibility they developed during the past 18 months as they adapted to online learning and, in many cases, self-directed their education.

The Class of 2020 and 2021 attended convocation in two socially distanced sessions in EagleBank Arena. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

“I think you’re really set up for success in that way,” Usher said, encouraging the students to fight through frustration and doubt in hot pursuit of “Aha!” discoveries. “You know that you learn when things get hard. Those are the moments that are going to make your academic career.”

Keynote speaker Jennifer Victor, associate professor of political science in �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government, spoke about how simple acts of everyday kindness can bolster democracy by strengthening the bonds of community. To help prove her point, she turned around and gave a Schar School cap to Washington, who promptly put it on.

“Imagine if just a few dozen of the people in this room engage in civic acts of kindness with one another in the next week,” Victor said. “And imagine that some of those are paid forward and multiplied by others.... If that happens, then by the time we get to fall break, we’re going to be looking at a veritable epidemic of civic kindness on our campus.”

The most relatable advice of all might have come from Student Government President Natalia Kanos, a double major in government and international politics and conflict analysis and resolution, who recalled her rocky start at �鶹��Ƶ, including getting lost on her way to convocation and starting various activities and courses only to drop them.

Student Government President Natalia Kanos shared her �鶹��Ƶ experiences during the program. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

“You will have trials and tribulations,” said Kanos, who went on to get involved in Student Government and compete on the women’s rowing team. “You will have good days and bad days, ups and downs. But something you will never have is a lack of opportunity. �鶹��Ƶ will give you the opportunity and the tools to become the person that you want to be…to rise to the occasion and surprise yourself.”

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