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Nearly 400 students participated in the
traditional Matriculation Ceremony. |
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Students signed the Matriculation books
as part of the ceremony. |
Randolph-Macon College held its annual Matriculation Ceremony on Sunday, August 30, 2009 in Blackwell Auditorium, Center for the Performing Arts.
Nearly 400 students were welcomed to the college during the ceremony, one of the long-standing traditions at R-MC. Upon completion of the oaths, new students are officially members of the Randolph-Macon College campus and community.
The ceremony began with the processional of the platform party and attending faculty. The platform party included R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren, Dr. William Franz, Interim Provost, Dr. María José Bordera; R-MC Chaplain Darrell Headrick, Shannon White, Chair of the Academic Integrity Council; Michael Berry ’11, Student Government Association’s Director of Publicity; and Grant Azdell, Dean of Students.
The Faculty Marshals for this year’s ceremony were: Dr. María José Bordera (Spanish), head faculty marshal and mace bearer; Dr. Gregg Hillmar (theater), associate faculty marshal; Dr. Brian Sutton, (mathematics), assistant faculty marshal; Dr. Alphine Jefferson (history), faculty marshal; and Dr. Mark Malin (Spanish), faculty marshal.
Chaplain Headrick led the invocation, after which Lindgren welcomed everyone and addressed the Class of 2013. “Make the most of your liberal arts education, and benefit from all that R-MC has to offer,” he said. Lindgren also described what it means to be an R-MC student and the academic commitment that is required for a successful college career.
Lindgren then led the new class in the Matriculation Oath: “After having carefully read the laws of Randolph-Macon College, I subscribe myself a student thereof. I enter this college with a sincere desire to reap the benefits of its instruction and with a determined resolve to conform to its laws. In testimony thereof, I hereunto subscribe my name.”
Dr. James Doering, associate professor of music and vice-chair of the Academic Integrity Council, spoke about the importance of academic honesty at R-MC. His speech, titled “Pomp and Circumstance," noted how ceremonies can mark both accomplishments and new beginnings. He welcomed the new class and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in their new community. The students then recited the Pledge of Academic Integrity and approached the stage to sign the matriculation books.
Provost Franz shared with the Class of 2013 some of history’s milestones, including Galileo’s discoveries, Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon and English composer Thomas Ravenscroft’s memorable “Three Blind Mice.”
“You should note that the great events of history are not just the works of older men with white beards but people like you who dare to dream, who dare even more to work hard to achieve dreams, and who work together for the common good,” said Franz. “And so my charge for you as you embark on your college career is this: Take time to look at the heavens and imagine. Explore like you were a rocket scientist. Think about multiple genres of music. Indeed, celebrate all of the arts and sciences that we put before you.”
Lindgren brought the ceremony to a close, inviting everyone to sing the Alma Mater. Professor of Music Chris Ryder directed the R-MC Choir into singing the Benediction, which was followed by the recessional.