Welcome, Class Of 2029!

Setting out on their very own Graceland journey of curiosity, learning, challenges and growth, incoming freshmen took a symbolic walk from the Morden Center to the Shaw Center auditorium.

Here, Graceland faculty, coaches and staff officially welcomed the Class of 2029 in a Matriculation ceremony.

VP for Student Life and Dean of Students John Godfrey, President Joel Shrock, and VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Jill Fort conveyed to the new students how they can ‒ with the help of everyone present ‒ turn the lessons in and out of the classroom into a pathway for their personal success, take advantage of the not easy but fine line between failing, succeeding and being great, and motivate themselves to “Go to class!” no matter how hard that may be at times (especially in the early mornings).

Per video message while away at a volleyball game, Graceland Student Government (GSG) President Kaylee Baker gave the students an exciting preview of life ahead on campus, and an inspiring promise of the lifelong connections they will make at Graceland.

Following the ceremony, everyone gathered in the Shaw lobby, where the students could meet their professors, and colleagues could reconnect after the summer break.

On their big graduation day, these students will take the same walk across campus in reverse, from the Shaw to the Morden Center to attend their Commencement ceremony.

Matriculation also marked the start of an eventful Welcome Week for all students. The repeated mantra on this first week’s schedule, too: Go to class!