The ceremony also featured the ringing of the original 1815 Hartwick Seminary Bell, a tradition reserved for Opening Convocation and commencement. Students also marked their entry to the community by signing the matriculation book, adding their names alongside generations of Hartwick students before them.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jennifer Dearden drew on her background as a musician to encourage students to think of their college experience as joining a musical ensemble, where participation, collaboration and listening are essential.
“You are joining an ensemble,” Dearden said. “You are not here to sit passively in the audience. But you are here to participate, to practice, to learn and to listen and improve.”
Student Government Association (SGA) President Rebeka Alva ’27 encouraged the newest Hawks to embrace the relationships and experiences that will shape their time on Oyaron Hill.
“Every small decision can change the direction of your life,” Alva said. “When I joined SGA, I wasn’t trying to be president. I just saw things I wanted to improve. I was shy, adjusting to college and learning who I wanted to become. I could have told myself I wasn’t qualified, but instead, I took a scary step. That one decision has opened doors I never knew existed.”
Faculty speaker Zachary McKenney, assistant professor of sociology, highlighted the importance of student-faculty collaboration at Hartwick and encouraged students to see their professors as partners in their education.
“College is something we build together,” McKenney said. “You will change us. You will teach us things that we don’t know. And if you let us, we will do the same for you.”
The rest of the weekend offered opportunities for students to meet faculty, connect with classmates and learn more about life at Hartwick. Students participated in activities focused on safety and well-being, campus life and belonging, as well as events at Pine Lake such as boating, painting and a scavenger hunt.
On Sunday, the Class of 2030 took part in another Hartwick transition, the First Walk on Founders’ Way, marking the beginning of their Hartwick journey.
For Anthony Marazita II ’30, a physical education teacher education major from Putnam Valley, New York, and member of the Hartwick football team, the beauty of campus was one of the first things that stood out during the weekend.
“Just walking around at night, it is so beautiful,” Marazita said. “It’s great. I love it here.”
Check out all the Wick Weekend action here.
