Hurrah, the Class of 2028 has Arrived!

Hurrah, the Class of 2028 has Arrived!

By Bowdoin

Almost as soon as first years had finished moving into their dorm rooms Monday morning, they began a busy and fun week of orientation, including heading out for their three-day orientation adventures.

Staff, faculty, and Residential Life students were on hand Monday to welcome and help the new students and their families unload. The Jerks of Grass, a bluegrass band, performed from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Odeum before families and guests gathered for the president's welcome and reception in the afternoon.

The following day, President Safa Zaki and Associate Dean of Students Khoa Khuong '04 greeted students at the Museum of Art steps Tuesday evening for the traditional president's welcome to the new class. The well-dressed crowd of students had their class photo taken and then headed to Thorne Hall for the Convening Dinner.

"We are truly happy that each and every one of you is here," Khuong said in his address, before urging the class to absorb and truly believe the message that they all "belong at Bowdoin."

"Bowdoin is a place to learn, care, and engage with each other in good faith," he said. "This is a place where we give each other the benefit of doubt and where we assume positive intent."

President Zaki reminded the students that just one year ago, she, too, had been new to Bowdoin, drawn like them to its values, place, and people. She said she found a community that is vibrant, openhearted, and alive with possibilities, genuine warmth, and generosity.

She urged the students to take advantage of Bowdoin's opportunities, to have fun, and also to ask for help when they need it and to offer it when they can.

Following her address, Director of the Chamber Choir Jeff Christmas taught the first years how to sing the alma mater, Raise Songs to Bowdoin.

By early Wednesday morning, most of the orientation trips had left for destinations across the state to hike, canoe, camp, paddleboard, do community service, and explore the outdoors. The campus will be quiet until the class returns Saturday for the welcome back cookout.

Convocation, the official opening of the College, takes place Sept. 2.

We captured some of the moments in this flurry of activity in our slideshow below.