Class of 2028 Arrives on Campus Ready to Transform

Class of 2028 Arrives on Campus Ready to Transform

Widener Pride was on full display as the university welcomed its newest members of the Chester campus community.

More than 900 students representing the Class of 2028 moved into first-year residence halls earlier this month. This year's incoming class represents the largest and most diverse in university history, breaking last year's record-setting numbers.

Class of 2028 By the Numbers

900+ students

More than 50% identify as BIPOC

More than 50% are first-generation college students

4 sets of twins ‍‍

13 states and 15 countries

Following two energetic move-in days, which turned out more than 150 employee and XX student volunteers, new students were guided through a week-long fall orientation program that culminated with Academic Convocation.

This year's convocation focused on the power of transformation. In the keynote address, Mike Corcoran '13, assistant professor of psychology, shared his experience as a first-generation college student and how his Widener education empowered him to transform personally and professionally.

Speaking to a full audience in Schwartz Athletics Center, Corcoran encouraged students to take control of their transformation.

I encourage you to leave today with the attitude of actively transforming yourself and your life for the better. Accept the responsibility of being authors of your own future. Don't let someone else write your story. Education is one of the most transformative experiences and only requires a few things: a desire to learn and improve, a willingness to be wrong, and a goal to work toward." -Mike Corcoran

The ceremony concluded with a procession that led student under the dome in the Bown Garden, a university tradition that symbolizes the beginning and end of a student's journey at Widener as they walk under the dome at convocation and then again at commencement.

Watch the Academic Convocation Ceremony