Sights & Sounds: Welcome New Students!
Photographs and a video capture the excitement of Welcome Weekend 2024, as the Class of 2028 and new transfer students arrived on campus and began making connections with classmates, returning students, faculty and staff.By: Kristine Yahna Pennella (Todaro) '84 Tuesday, August 27, 2024 01:11 PM
Muhlenberg's new student move-in day kicked off an exciting weekend of connections, traditions and fun. All photos by Joe Romano '23Muhlenberg College's 177th incoming class and new transfer students were greeted with special traditions and fun activities during Welcome Weekend. The Class of 2028 began their journey on Thursday, August 22, with returning students, staff and faculty ensuring a smooth move-in process.
On move-in day, 466 first-year and 18 transfer students arrived on campus from 29 states and 5 countries. The Class of 2028 is notably diverse, with 33 percent domestic students of color, 22 percent first-generation students, and 35 percent Pell Grant-eligible students, far surpassing Muhlenberg’s American Talent Initiative goal of 20 percent for incoming classes.
Orientation included key traditions like signing the matriculation ledger, a candle-lighting ceremony and the scarving of new students. The festivities also featured the Bash on Burkholder, a lively late-night event with oversized games and an inflatable obstacle course. The weekend wrapped up on Sunday, August 25, with Opening Convocation and a welcome-back BBQ, bringing the College community together.
"While you are here, you will journey," said President Kathleen Harring, addressing new students during the Opening Convocation. "[But] you will not journey alone. You have a community ... People often ask me what makes Muhlenberg distinctive and how we achieve such high levels of excellence. It’s because we offer both a challenging educational experience and a supportive campus environment. Community-driven excellence is our superpower."
Welcome home, and welcome back, Mules!
Move-In
Muhlenberg students and staff welcome the Class of 2028 to campus with cheers and celebration during Move-In Day 2024.
Signing of the Matriculation Ledger
The Class of 2028 put pen to paper with the traditional matriculation ledger signing.
Traditions and Candle-Lighting
Students participate in a pair of Muhlenberg College traditions: the scarving of new students and the first-year candle-lighting ceremony.
Bash at Burkholder
Students gathered after a busy move-in day to unwind with food, games and fun activities.
Opening Convocation
Muhlenberg celebrates the start of the year with the 2024 Opening Convocation.
Welcome Back All-Campus BBQ
The Muhlenberg community enjoys delicious food while catching up before the start of the semester at the Welcome Back BBQ.
