Welcoming the Unprecedented Class of 2024

Elmira, NY (08/28/2020) — The energy and atmosphere at Elmira College were charged with excitement on Thursday as the College officially kicked off Fall Orientation. Due to potential severe weather, the traditional President's Welcome for the incoming class was moved to Friday, but despite that change and a slightly different move-in and Orientation process, excitement for the new term was palpable as the Unprecedented Class of 2024 prepared to begin their collegiate career.

After welcoming students, and parents/family members watching virtually, during the President's Welcome on Friday, Director of Campus Engagement George Kuntz introduced Dr. Charles Lindsay, fifteenth president of Elmira College.

Lindsay welcomed students and shared an overview of the Class of 2024, including the following facts:

• Members of the Class of 2024 come from 15 states and five foreign countries, including Canada, Ghana, Dominican Republic, Japan, and Lithuania.
• International student, Anita Asare from Kumasi, Ghana, traveled 5,150 miles to Elmira College - the furthest of any student.
• U.S.-based student, Leslie Monterrosa from Gardena, CA, traveled 2,695.6 miles.
• Lauryn Kobbe from W. Hill St. in Elmira, traveled the shortest distance - just 1.1 miles.

"All of you have leadership potential. What does it mean to be a leader? Well, the answer to that question is different for everyone," said Lindsay. "But no matter who you are or how you're looking to lead, Elmira College is the place to start. At EC, we enable every student to find their own way to lead - both on campus and beyond - by balancing the intellectual with the practical, by shaping critical thinking and a broad view of the world while fostering tools and skills to succeed in the professional world."

Lindsay concluded his remarks by telling students, "I'm delighted that each of you is here and has chosen to make Elmira College a part of your journey. 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. My advice to you as we begin this academic year is: think deeply, work hard, make friends, have fun, be safe and infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen."

Karl Koeppel '07, assistant dean of students and EC alumnus, then explained the College's tradition of Patron Saints and announced the Patron Saints for the Class of 2024.

"What makes Elmira College unique from other small, private, liberal arts institutions is our rich history and long-standing traditions. One of those traditions is assigning our version of class advisors, who are called Patron Saints," explained Koeppel. "I am honored to serve the Class of 2024, along with assistant professor of art, Chris Longwell, in this capacity. As Patron Saints for the Class of 2024, we look forward to helping guide them during their journey here at EC."

The Welcome Ceremony continued with each member of the incoming class receiving the class cap, and concluding with the singing of the alma mater, led by the Orientation Leaders.Orientation fun for students continues throughout the weekend with physically distanced and virtual sessions, games, and the traditional Candlelight Ceremony - a long-standing and cherished tradition of welcome for the new class.

Welcome to the Unprecedented Class of 2024!

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