President Jim Reynolds: 'Take advantage of new opportunities and recreate your best selves'
President Jim Reynolds said the next four years will require “work and perseverance” but the end result of personal growth, starting a career path, gaining life-long friends and being a part of something special will be worth it.
PICTURED: The Class of 2022 engages in the WC tradition of signing the Campus Rock, which signifies their arrival on campus.
“You’re not alone — we’re here to help you — but you need to take responsibility. You’ll have to push yourselves but this is a truly amazing journey,” he told the more than 450 freshmen and transfer students at Friday’s New Student Convocation.
“Take advantage of new opportunities and recreate your best selves.”
As the students begin navigating this new environment surrounded by unfamiliar persons, some might be asking themselves, “Where did my world go?” Reynolds said. “There will be twists and turns, but your world isn’t gone; it’s expanded. Right now, it’s hard to know what the next four years will be like.”
The president told them to believe in themselves and take advantage of all the College has to offer. He hopes each of them will soon be able to tell themselves: “I love my new world.”
Dr. Steve Szeghi, interim vice president for academic affairs, told the new students that they will be discovering themselves over the next four years.
“Don’t be afraid to change — embrace the change,” he said. “Stitch together and weave a philosophy for yourself. This is a special time in your life to do that. You have to find your place in this crazy and confusing world.”
Adam Lohrey, director of admission, presented the entering class of 462 students from 18 states and four nations outside America (Sweden, Norway, Germany and Brazil). More than 50 percent intend to play a sport while the class had a collective 3.23 grade point average in high school and 55 are considered as legacies, as those whose parent, grandparent or sibling are counted among WC alumni.
Don Muchmore, a 1973 graduate and president of Alumni Council, said he too was once a freshman, albeit 48 years ago.
“A lot has changed since then, but some things have not changed,” he said. “Wilmington College gave me an opportunity to be my best and for me to make a difference. Like it has for me, WC will make a difference in your lives.”
Finally, Lawrence Daya, a senior and president of Student Government Assn., said he tries to live by the words of a mentor: “Whatever you do, do it with compassion, dignity, love and respect.
“People are what make Wilmington College absolutely phenomenal,” he added. “You’ll see compassion, dignity, love and respect in action every day on this campus.”
The New Student Orientation program concluded Saturday with fall semester classes starting Monday morning.
