BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – With laughter and animated conversations marking the beginnings of lifelong friendships, students of the class of 2014 filed into Westbrook Auditorium on Tuesday for the New Student Convocation at Illinois Wesleyan University.
“This is a special place, a place where I know you will feel at home,” said University President Richard F. Wilson of the 620 new students who traveled to Illinois Wesleyan from as far away as Egypt, the Netherlands and China. The Convocation is part of the annual “Turning Titan Week” on campus, orienting new students to Illinois Wesleyan.
President Wilson led students through the annual chant of the University motto, Scientia et Sapientia, which translates roughly as ‘knowledge and wisdom.’ “You must learn to do more than acquire facts and figures,” said Wilson. “You need to learn how to use that knowledge wisely for the benefit of others, and if you are successful, you will find that your life will be forever transformed.”
Students were welcomed by Dean of Students Kathy Cavins-Tull, the Student Senate Vice President Erick Henderson, the Young Alumni Committee Chair Justine Robinson, and Associate Dean of the Faculty Irving Epstein, who let students know what makes Illinois Wesleyan stand out. “Our uniqueness lies in our campus mission, devoted to fostering a spirit of inquiry, yet also includes our commitment to diversity, social justice and environmental sustainability,” said Epstein.