Hillsdale College Welcomes New Students at Freshman Convocation
A record 422 freshman join the College this fall
Hillsdale, Mich. — Hillsdale College welcomed the biggest, most selective class in its history at Freshman Convocation on Aug. 22. The class of 2025 includes 422 students, approximately 60 more than last year’s freshman class and an all-time record. Faculty, students, families, and friends gathered on the College’s East Lawn to hear about the coming academic year from fellow students and College President Larry P. Arnn.
“How do you get ready for these unusual times? You have to improve your intellect and your character,” said Dr. Arnn. “You have to come to know the beautiful things and to do them, and that means you must become prudent and just and moderate and brave. That takes practice, and it can only come from a whole commitment.”
Dr. Arnn recounted that the incoming freshman class was admitted among the largest pool of applicants the College has seen, with an admit rate of 23 percent. He reminded students that though on paper they are the highest academic quality the College has ever enrolled — and among the highest in the country — the real work begins now.
“You have been admitted to the College because of the promise of quality of character and intellect, and you have been admitted against a pool of many times your number,” he said. “You have a privilege that is to be of benefit to others, and not just others here.”
Seniors Rachel Kiti and Christopher Soren Moody welcomed the freshman class and spoke about why they chose Hillsdale College, encouraging the class of 2025 in their choice.
“I guarantee that the education you will receive here will be extraordinary,” said Kiti. “It will make you a better human being, intellectually, spiritually, socially, and morally. The kind of learning you will engage in here will cover every facet of your life. You will engage in intelligent philosophical and theological discussions and make friends who become family.”
Before dismissing students and their parents to dinner parties, the faculty and freshman class said the Hillsdale College Matriculation Pledge, with parents offering their students a personal blessing before leaving.