Faculty and staff in academic garb lined the sidewalks from the Dovre Campanile to Memorial Auditorium to cheer on first-year and transfer students arriving for the annual convocation.
More than 600 first-year students make up the Class of 2022, which also includes a five-year record number of international students and twice as many students of color as we had in last year’s incoming class.
The student body was ushered in by the regal music of The Concordia Band and greeted by Student Government Association President Jacob Hanson ’19.
Dr. Peter Haberman, associate professor of music and conductor of The Concordia Band, gave the event address. He told students how invested the faculty at Concordia are in their education and in each of them as people. Haberman used the analogy of a farmer whose task was not to make plants grow but instead make it possible for the plant to complete its intended purpose.
“A farmer’s job is to build an environment around that plant so it has no option but to thrive,” Haberman said. “You are hardwired to learn as much as that plan is to grow.”
President William Craft built on the theme of growth through each person’s calling to three things: health and wellness, learning and the care for all of creation.
“This entire place is founded and organized for you to flourish in learning,” Craft said. “We will guide you, challenge you, and cheer you on.”
Dean Eric Eliason declared the official start to the academic year and students recessed to Olin Hill for the annual beanie toss.