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Welcome EC Class of 2022!

Elmira, NY (08/31/2018) — Elmira College is more than college, it's a family. This sentiment was emphasized throughout the EC campus on Move-In Day 2018, and many new students cited it as one of their main reasons for choosing Elmira.

Sabrina Byrd '22 arrived at EC from a small, private school in Lancaster, PA, and she noted that "Elmira was the closest thing I could find to that in College."

Byrd began her journey as a new member of the Class of 2022 on Friday, August 31, pursuing a degree in business administration. For Sabrina getting involved is very important, and she hopes to take part in student activities while also acquiring new leadership roles.

"I was very used to being involved with the community," said Byrd. "I'm excited to learn new things [and] being involved in a lot of the student life activities. I would love to do that."

The energy and atmosphere was charged with excitement for new students and their families as they arrived on campus. Music, the EC cheerleaders, and a brigade of Orientation staff greeted students and their families, while 10,000 purple and gold balloons lined the sidewalks of campus.

For incoming student Farrah Fiacco '22 , being at Elmira College means a lot more than the excitement of just meeting new friends. Fiacco decided to attend Elmira due to the friendly environment when she first visited the campus.. Being a double major in psychology and legal studies, Fiacco also appreciated the many choices of majors.

The traditional President's Welcome Ceremony, held on Cowles Lawn, was opened by dean of student life, Brandon Dawson. After sharing words of wisdom and encouragement for students and parents, Dawson then introduced Dr. Charles Lindsay, fifteenth president of Elmira College.

"Today marks Elmira College's 164th year as an institution of higher learning. Congratulations to all of you on your choice to attend this remarkable college. Congratulations for embarking on an educational journey that offers you new ideas, new perspectives and new experiences."

Lindsay continued with words of advice and assurance for the new students and their parents.

"Your undergraduate years have the power to be transformational because they provide a unique opportunity for focused intellectual, personal, and social growth. This is not just a time for preparing to make a living; it is a time for considering how to lead your life; a time for redefining your understanding of the world, for assessing your place in that world, andfor determining what responsibility you have for improving that world. In the words of Nelson Mandela, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'"

Lindsay concluded his remarks by telling students, "We are delighted that you are here and have chosen to make Elmira College a part of your journey. We trust that you will grow to love this college as we do - with passion and purpose, and with the knowledge that it can be only as strong as we collectively are, only as thoughtful and wise, only as compassionate and caring. This academic community is forged through the choices and contributions that each of us makes, minute-by-minute, year-by-year, decade-by-decade. It is ours to share and shape, and then to pass along."

Alumna Anita Lewis M.S. '13 then welcomed the Class of 2022, encouraging them to be open to change and new ideas, to embrace the Elmira community, and to never be afraid to ask for help.

Following welcome remarks by Rachel Greig '19, Chris Coons, vice president of enrollment management, continued with an overview of the Transformational Class of 2022:

  • Members of the Class of 2022 come from 22 states, with slightly more than half hailing from New York.
  • Other top states include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
  • The Class of 2022 includes students from nine foreign countries - The Bahamas, Canada, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, Oman, and United Arab Emirates.
  • International student, Kairu Taira of Okinawa, Japan, traveled 7,461 miles to reach Elmira College - the furthest of any student.
  • U.S.-based student, Emilia Helms-Leslie from Fairbanks, Alaska traveled 3,094 miles.

"As a member of the EC family, you will be part of a campus community that is proud of its many traditions," commented Coons. "One of the many traditions that typically take place during this welcome ceremony is presenting a beanie to each new student. When you receive your cap you will see the words from our alma mater on the back, 'Be It Ever So.' It is a reminder that this fine institution will prepare you for and take you on 'untried paths to know.' It is our hope that the spirit here at Elmira College will remain with you when you leave 'our fair halls' in four years ."

The Welcome Ceremony continued with each member of the incoming class receiving the class cap. As Coons read their names, students received their cap and congratulations from Lindsay and his wife, Janna.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the alma mater, lead by the Orientation Leaders, followed by the traditional Elmira Hug, a moment for new students and parents to hug and say their farewells.

While parents head home, the orientation fun for students continues throughout the weekend with performances, games, and more traditions such as Candlelight Ceremony - a long-standing and cherished tradition of welcome for the new class.

For parents John and Cathy Fiacco, heading back home without their daughter, Farrah Fiacco '22, will certainly be a change. "I'm happy, excited, and a little sad at the same time, a lot of mixed emotions," said Cathy Fiacco. However, the Fiacco's know that their daughter is in the right place.

"I was here for Orientation over the summer," said Cathy Fiacco. "It's very inviting. I'm really excited for her."

Welcome to the Transformational Class of 2022!

For more photos from today's events, please visit the college Flickr page https://www.flickr.com/photos/elmiracollege/with/44341413432/.

Media Attachments

Elmire College welcomed the Transformational Class of 2022 on Friday, August 31. The incoming class represents 22 states and nine countries.

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