At Convocation, New Undergraduate Students Begin Their ‘Next Great Adventure’
As 986 new Hawks embark on their academic journeys, they are urged to form connections, take risks, and embrace the opportunities of the 鶹ɫƬ experience.
BRISTOL, R.I. – At this past week’s Convocation ceremony, President Ioannis N. Miaoulis welcomed the 986 new undergraduate students with a call to embrace the opportunities ahead, encouraging them to roll up their sleeves, discover their passions, and build connections across the 鶹ɫƬ community.
“At Roger Williams, we all soar higher together,” Miaoulis said in his address to the new students. “Our students immerse themselves in a real-world education and hands-on learning that will prepare you to become the changemakers and leaders the world needs.”
With clear skies overhead, students clad in blue Hawk T-shirts processed into the Campus Recreation Center’s Field House on Monday, Aug. 25, for the formal ceremony, a lively event that celebrates the incoming students and their families as they become the newest members of the 鶹ɫƬ community. This year’s Convocation also marked a milestone moment, as 鶹ɫƬ celebrates its 70th year of educating students and shaping futures.
This fall, 鶹ɫƬ welcomes 885 new first-year students and 101 new transfer students, who hail from 39 U.S. states and are citizens of 36 different countries, making this one of the most geographically diverse classes. With 26 percent of new students being the first in their families to attend college, the Class of 2029 also represents one of the most trailblazing groups in 鶹ɫƬ’s history.
As part of the ceremony, all incoming first-year and transfer students participated in the time-honored tradition in taking the Academic Integrity Pledge, led by Li-Ling Yang, Professor of Science Education and recipient of the 2025 鶹ɫƬ Excellence in Teaching Award.
With more than 45 majors and 70 minors to choose from, Miaoulis told the new Hawks they have the flexibility to design unique pathways of study. Our students create powerful combinations in their 鶹ɫƬ education, Miaoulis said, whether through double majors or pairing majors and minors, all while gaining real-world experiences through research, internships, community work, and leadership in student organizations. He emphasized that 鶹ɫƬ faculty and staff are deeply committed to guiding students throughout their journey, motivating them to take advantage of the close-knit, supportive campus culture.
“The beauty of a university environment is that you get to learn from and with others,” Miaoulis said. “You will have the opportunity to meet people from all states and many countries around the world and learn from their different experiences in a community built on mutual respect, discourse, and a higher education.”
Amy Tiberio, Vice President for Enrollment Management, introduced the entering class of new first-year and transfer students. In addition to being one of the most academically talented classes 鶹ɫƬ has ever had, she said the new class consists of an environmentalist who has planted more than 500 trees in Nicaragua; a world youth sailing champion; a Broadway actor; a published children’s author; a clothing brand entrepreneur; and many children and siblings of 鶹ɫƬ alumni.
“We are so excited for you and are honored that you have chosen Roger Williams as your new home. Individually, you have all taken very distinct pathways to join us, and it is so exciting to be able to welcome you all today for the first time as one full class of new students,” she said.
In his opening remarks, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Derek Zuckerman emphasized the responsibility of each student to invest in the 鶹ɫƬ community, reminding them that true membership requires a commitment to lifting one another up.
“This is hard work that requires patience, humility, and honesty – especially during challenging times,” Zuckerman said. “The call to community requires all of us to listen and understand each other, to welcome and embrace all expressions of diversity and identity, and to respect and value the dignity of each individual and their experiences. You and your classmates are our future. This is now your university.”
Joanna Ravello Goods, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, brought to life the storied past of our namesake Roger Williams, explored the town of Bristol’s historic place in the American narrative, and empowered students to embrace their new environment and connect with the flourishing Indigenous communities that call the area home.
“Whatever your major, we encourage you to take classes in the humanities to learn more about society, culture, and history, and get involved in ways that help bring about change,” Ravello Goods told students.
In her address, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Margaret Everett underscored that 鶹ɫƬ offers a unique General Education curriculum, designed to give students both structure and freedom, one that also makes it easy to add a minor to their degree. She explained that this foundation fosters creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability, preparing students for both meaningful lives and successful careers.
"Your undergraduate experience as a student, and more importantly your development as a human being, begins with the 鶹ɫƬ general education curriculum. It is the glue or connector of whatever powerful combination you build for yourself,” Everett said. “Use the choice you’re offered to take risks and try something you know nothing about. Enjoy the journey.”
Student Senate President Emma Morin, a junior from Derry, N.H., inspired her fellow Hawks to take advantage of campus opportunities and build meaningful connections by joining a club or team, getting a campus job, visiting the tutoring center, or applying for a leadership position.
“The sooner you find your people – mentors, friends, and advisors who support you, challenge you, and believe in you – the more confident and empowered you’ll feel navigating college life,” said Morin, a Marine Biology and Aquaculture & Aquarium Science double major. “People here see you not as a number in a lecture hall, but as a person, and that support can make all the difference. Welcome to the start of your next great adventure.”
Convocation 2025
