51����

The campus shed its summer sleepiness as students filled classrooms, walking paths and common areas on a beautiful, sunny August day.

Students, faculty and staff stopped by the sculpture garden Monday morning as college President Doug Hicks ’90 hosted an informal coffee and doughnuts gathering to jump start the new semester.

Newcomers arrived last week, and upper-class orientation team members guided them, helping with everything from moving in to offering insider intel on the best spots to study, favorite Commons meals and the many clubs and activities available to them.

A multitude of signs across campus over the past week made it clear to first-year and returning students alike: “We’re so glad you’re here!” 

Plenty of Helpers

Last week’s move-in set the tempo for the start of the new semester.

New students and their families arrived from Maine to Virginia to Florida, Texas, Montana and California, representing most of the United States, and countries around the globe.

Their movers included everyone from Hicks and his leadership team to athletic teams and their coaches, college staffers and upper-class students.

With sparkling glitter on their cheeks and holding signs — “Welcome Wildcats!!!” and “Honk if You’re Excited!” — Molly O’Brien ’26 and Bella Cantorna ’28 helped guide newcomers to their residence halls.

Both wanted to extend the warmth they felt as first-year students.

“I remember everyone being so happy and welcoming,” O’Brien said. “My dad says that freshman year move-in should be like Disneyland. We may not be Disneyland, but we’re pretty close. Everyone should be happy and excited, and if I can be part of that, that’s my goal.”

Earplugs Recommended

On Wednesday night, Hicks and other leaders welcomed new students and families for an opening session at the Baker Sports Complex.

Before going into the arena, newcomers passed through a human tunnel of blaring music accompanied by cheering, clapping and singing orientation team members.

It’s a loud, boisterous tradition. While some introverts tried to slip by quietly, the extroverts (including some parents) enjoyed hamming it up — sometimes dancing — as they joined the festive crowd. 

An Interesting Class

The 556 new students include 536 first years, 19 transfers and one exchange student. First-year students represent 40 U.S. states and territories, and 35 countries.

They’re a multi-talented crew with a variety of interests and accomplishments. Their ranks include a student who’s had two literary pieces published; a “Youth Referee of the Year” who oversaw some 180 games and another who taught refugees in their hometown how to swim. One is a professional skateboarder turned professional race car driver, and another became their country’s youngest postmaster at 18. 

A Sweet Farewell

Families and students enjoyed farewell treats at the president’s house, befriending other families, cramming in those last words of advice, and pulling out the tissues when it was time to part.

Honor Code

Orientation ended with a note of solemnity as students gathered in the Duke Family Performance Hall to sign the honor code, a declaration by the entire college community that the honorable course is the most just, and therefore the best.

The pledge says:

“I hereby commit myself to following the 51���� Honor Code. I will not lie about college business, cheat or steal while I am a student here, nor will I tolerate these actions on the part of others.”