Convocation welcomes 4,000 new students

11:42 a.m., Aug. 31, 2005--University of Delaware President David P. Roselle welcomed nearly 4,000 new students to UD at New Student Convocation on Monday, Aug. 29, in the Bob Carpenter Center.

Roselle made his remarks to the 3,436 freshmen and 453 transfer students as they began their academic careers at UD.

“You are a bright class--there are 32 valedictorians and 32 salutatorians--and there are 518 of you entering with a perfect 4.0 grade point average,” Roselle told members of the Class of 2009. “You are a diverse class, with minority representation being the highest in the University’s history, and the experiences you bring to the University are as rich and diverse as any class before you.”

Four students new to UD were cited by Roselle as exemplifying the diversity of experience among members of the Class of 2009.

Max Petit, a student in the Lerner College of Business and Economics of Arnold, Md., lived for a year with his family on a boat exploring the islands of the Caribbean, the Andes Mountains in South America and the islands of Venezuela, Guatemala and Belize.

Jerusha Zachariah, a biology major from Sunnyvale, Calif., also is an Olympic hopeful ice skater who, during high school, would get up each day at 3 a.m. and drive 75 miles to attend a two-hour ice skating practice before driving back by 9 a.m. to begin high school classes.

Greg Sweeney, a history major from Wilmington, who, at age 12, organized a Cub Scout pack for homeless 7-11-year-olds living in shelters in Wilmington. The Cub Scout pack is still in operation.

Katlyn Rose Lucio, an applied music as a voice major from Sparta, N.J., has won many awards in voice and dance competitions, has danced with the Rockettes and performed at Carnegie Hall. Lucio also is a member of the rock band Fascination Autumn and has performed in the same New York City club that launched the careers of rock notables as The Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, the Vines, Blondie and The Ramones.

Roselle challenged the Class of 2009 to take advantage of the resources available at UD, including the diversity of students and student activities, the excellence of teaching and research resources, the commitment to service and the dedication of a highly respected and devoted faculty.

“As I look at the audience today, I am reminded to tell you that this will be the last time you will be gathered together as a class for another four years, when many of you will gather again at your Commencement exercises,” Roselle said. “I extend my best wishes and congratulations to you as you begin your journey today. Good luck to each and every one of you.”

John Cordrey, a member of the Class of 2006 and president of the Delaware Undergraduate Student Council (DUSC), the student government, also welcomed the new arrivals and urged them to make the most of the rich student activities at UD.

“You are now making the transition from home and high school life to college life, and there are a couple of things that you can do to ease such a transition,” Cordrey said. “The best way to become a part of college life is what we call ‘Just UDo It!’ getting involved on campus. There are more than 200 registered student organizations that would love to have you join.”

Cordrey also urged the Class of 2009 to participate in sporting, cultural and student-organized events, while remembering to fulfill their academic obligations.

“So, when you have completed your studies and are ready to walk across that stage at graduation, you will know that you were involved on campus and that you had the best experience of your life,” Cordrey said. “I would also like to add that involvement with the University does not end after graduation. We have a longstanding tradition of deeply committed alumni who also love our school as much as you will love it.”

Class flag presentation

Ruth Draper, a member of the Class of 1955, presented the Class of 2009 flag to freshman representatives Renato Kane, a graduate of the Valley Forge Military Academy from Bear, and Katherine Gibson, a graduate of the Charter School of Wilmington from Middletown.

Freshmen proudly display the Fightin’ Blue Hens writstbands given to those attending New Student Convocation. Available at all UD Bookstore locations, the bracelets cost $1.98.

Kelly Strayer, a junior voice major from Elkton, Md., and a member of the UD Marching Band, sang the national anthem. Ester Holland, a freshman music major from West Windsor, N.J., sang the alma mater.

Yo-yos and YoUDee

After the official ceremonies, students were treated to a festive celebration that included a rousing performance of the James Bond movie themes presented by the UD Marching Band.

A pep rally emceed by Mike Corey, the “voice of the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens,” from radio station WRDX-FM, “The River,” featured performances by UD cheerleaders and the National Champion UD Dance Team, as well as a performance by UD mascot YoUDee.

Justin Weber, a freshman from Newark, demonstrated some of the moves that earned him fifth place in the 2004 World Yo-Yo championships.

Also participating in the pep rally were coaching staff from many of UD’s varsity sports programs, including head football coach and UD alumnus K.C. Keeler, who invited the Class of 2009 to the opening game against Lehigh at Tubby Raymond Field in Delaware Stadium at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10.

Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson and Tyler Jacobson

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