Hillsdale College Welcomes New Students to Campus at Freshman Convocation
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College welcomed the class of 2027 to campus at Freshman Convocation on Aug. 20. New students, their families, and faculty gathered to hear about the coming academic year from fellow students and President Larry P. Arnn. The class of 2027 includes 375 students, representing 43 states. Preliminary statistics indicate an average 3.95 GPA and 20% acceptance rate.
The ceremony began with an invocatory prayer by the college’s chaplain, a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and music from Hillsdale College’s chamber choir. Seniors Caitlin Dugan and Michael Hoggatt reflected on their time at Hillsdale and offered encouragement to the freshman class.
“This education is unique. It is centered on the common goal of the pursuit of the truth that God has put into the world: for humans to know,” said Dugan. “This goal causes you to come to your education with open hands, ready to evaluate your ideas and beliefs. You have to be willing to be wrong and to learn from the people around you…this kind of growth does not just happen in the classroom. Every part of Hillsdale will help you to learn and grow in the pursuit of truth.”
Dr. Arnn then addressed students and parents, welcoming them to campus. “We’re just getting started. And marvelous things are possible. Wonders can unfold if we do it right. And we are going to,” said Dr. Arnn. “For this to work, we all have to do it. What does the word college mean? Partnership. Something we all do toward a common end. We adopt that end, and we don’t compete with each other in seeking the end. We cooperate, we help each other. The one who doesn’t know can learn from the one who does.”
Before dismissing students and their parents to separate dinner parties, the faculty and freshman class said the Hillsdale College Matriculation Pledge.
For photos from Convocation, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.