University of Jamestown Welcomes 306 Freshmen at Convocation

The University of Jamestown celebrated the arrival of 306 freshmen during its annual convocation held on September 4, 2023, in DeNault Auditorium. The event marked a significant moment for the incoming students as they embark on their academic journey.

Kirstie Dobson, the director of campus ministries, commenced the ceremony with a reflection on the themes of guidance and purpose. In her address, University President Polly Peterson expressed gratitude to faculty members for their dedication to holistic education. She stated, “You are a true example of superior guidance and education of the whole person. Thank you for the work that you do and for believing in the vision of UJ.”

Encouraging both new and returning students, Margaux Kautzmann, president of the student senate, urged attendees to take full advantage of their time at the university. “While making these memories, please slow down and smell the roses. Appreciate the independence and opportunities that you have here,” Kautzmann said. She emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who inspire personal growth, noting, “You have started on a long path to the rest of your life, and the next four years of that journey are going to fly by.”

Promoting Virtue and Commitment

The convocation also featured remarks from Michelle Solensky, vice president for academic affairs, who introduced the Leadertown initiative. She underscored the significance of incorporating virtues into everyday life. “Virtues are not lofty ideals that feel out of reach. Virtues are habits—patterns of thinking and acting that we can practice every day,” Solensky stated. She highlighted wisdom, courage, and excellence as key components of the University of Jamestown’s character initiative. “Wisdom fills as you ask questions and listen carefully. Courage is what allows you to learn from mistakes,” she explained, adding that “excellence is about effort and growth, showing up fully even when the work is hard.”

The class representative, Maryn Schneider, expressed her cohort’s enthusiasm and dedication. “Although our past has shaped us, we are prepared to try new things in these challenging situations—it will help us define who each of us will become,” Schneider remarked. She affirmed their commitment to fully engaging with the university experience, stating, “We vow to be fully immersed in the Jimmie experience and continue the excellence in tradition that has been established for years.”

Acknowledging Outstanding Contributions

During the ceremony, Peterson presented the Knight Award to Elias Harris, a criminal justice major from the Class of 2026. Harris was recognized for his quick thinking in reporting a fire in the campus cafeteria earlier this year, as well as for his achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts. “His quick thinking and sense of duty reflect the spirit of this award,” Peterson noted.

The Alumni Medallion was awarded to Rachel Heuchert and Samuel “Sam” Heuchert, both members of the Class of 2016. The couple addressed the audience with heartfelt insights derived from their own experiences. Rachel Heuchert, a licensed professional counselor, encouraged students to be patient throughout their academic journey. “We could not have predicted the journey nor the outcome when we were in your seats,” she said.

Sam Heuchert, a cybersecurity assessor for the Department of Defense, emphasized the importance of stewardship in life. “We like to think about stewardship as how we live out our priorities. We try to adopt the motto, ‘the magic of ordinary days,'” he shared, acknowledging their faculty mentors, including UJ Chief Information Officer and Professor Chris Hoke and Professor Emerita Irene Paasch, Ph.D.

The annual convocation at the University of Jamestown provided an opportunity for the university community to come together, celebrate new beginnings, and reflect on the values that guide their educational mission. With the support of faculty and alumni, the incoming freshmen are poised to navigate their academic journeys with purpose and determination.