Mount Union Welcomes Record-Setting Class of More Than 750 Students at Annual Matriculation Convocation
August 23, 2024ALLIANCE, Ohio — The University of Mount Union campus was buzzing on Friday, August 23, as the institution officially welcomed its newest class during the annual Matriculation Convocation. It was a milestone day for both the students and Mount Union, as the incoming class brought a record-setting 755 students to the University.
This incredible group of students is also Mount Union’s most diverse class ever, as more than 25% of the incoming class is comprised of students of color. The Class of 2028 also features a unique international footprint with students from five different countries.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome our largest class ever into the Purple Raider family," said Caitlin Clark, vice president for enrollment services. "I continue to be grateful for our admissions and financial aid teams, along with faculty and coaches, who have been working throughout the year with these students and their families to make sure Mount Union is the perfect place to begin or renew their college experiences.”
Following the move into their new residences, the students began the academic year with a ceremony held in the Timken Gymnasium of the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex, located down the hall from the Peterson Field House where those same students will receive their degrees four years from now.
Dr. Bill Cunion, vice president for academic affairs, began by welcoming the new students and reiterating the mission of Mount Union and how it will impact them along their respective journeys.
Mount Union President Greg King followed Cunion by encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them on campus, both in and outside of the classroom, as well as the ability to interact with individuals from an array of backgrounds.
“At Mount Union, you really get to enjoy the best of both worlds,” King said. “As students, you can thrive in the tight-knit and caring environment typically associated with a smaller college while enjoying the expanded opportunities and variety of a larger university,” King said.
Mount Union’s 2024 Great Teacher, Dr. Kim Risley, professor and Milton J. Lichty chair in biology, discussed how the change from high school to college will impact the students and how the University’s faculty and staff will support them.
“Sometimes change will be gradual, while at other times it could be sudden. In these moments, remember that you are not alone on this journey. Walking through life experiences together is an important part of being human,” Risley said.
Risley then shared advice from Mount Union biology alumni to help guide the incoming class throughout their time on campus. This included notes like “everything is going to be okay” and “enjoy the journey.”
Mount Union students Ashton Knappenberger, a senior triple major in English, public relations and Spanish from Massillon who also serves as Senior Class President, Darese Sparkman, a senior history major from Massillon and Jerry Cooper, a junior marketing major from Fort Myers, Florida, provided remarks on behalf of the student body.
“I thought college was a time to solidify who I was and get my life together. I’m here to tell you that college is a time to question yourself, pivot if necessary and challenge who you are,” Knappenberger said. “Mount Union is in the business of creating successful, but more importantly, fulfilled people. I am so thrilled for you, and slightly jealous that you get to go through the college ‘firsts.’”
“My journey at the University of Mount Union has taught me invaluable lessons,” Sparkman said. “It's okay to ask for assistance and to lean on those who are willing to guide you and it’s perfectly fine to make mistakes. Hard work and determination can transform your academic and personal life, no matter where you start.”
“Honestly, everything was so scary: the town, state, coaches, teammates, program, school, routine. I missed the comfort of being in high school at home in Miami where I knew everything and everyone,” Cooper said. “By choosing to talk, I built connections with my teammates and my coaches, and I started finding my Mount Union people and getting comfortable.”
At the conclusion of Cooper’s comments, the students and faculty recited their respective Matriculation pledges. Cunion then took the stage to discuss the importance of the Matriculation Convocation and conclude the ceremony. After learning about the significance of the ceremony, students had an opportunity to sign the Matriculation Book.
Signing the book is a pledge that students will dedicate their efforts and talents to excellence in liberal learning and career preparation. The book, which remains in the care of the Office of the President until graduation, will be on display in the University Store during graduation week in 2028 for students to see.