School of Environmental and Biological Sciences 2013 Induction Ceremony
The rain on Labor Day 2013 did not dampen the spirits of the incoming freshmen and transfer students for the 2013-2014 academic year of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. They were warmly welcomed to the School and the campus in the inaugural First Year Induction Ceremony, which was held at the Nicholas Music Center on the Douglass Campus on September 2. The ceremony introduced students to the rich history and traditions of the School and concluded with a processional on the George H. Cook Campus around Passion Puddle, followed by an ice cream social. Speakers included student representatives from clubs and student governing council, as well as faculty and administration.
Rick Ludescher, dean of academic programs, emphasized that building a sense of “belonging to our community” is an important element of success at the School. Ludescher explained the significance of the event. “The induction ceremony, I think, can play an important role in showing new students what makes us special by connecting them to our long and rich history of discovery and service and introducing them to the many special opportunities we offer.”
Executive Dean Robert M. Goodman was pleased with the introduction of this new tradition for the School. Goodman commented, “I thought the School Induction Ceremony for new students was moving and very special. The students especially showed new members of our community the best of what we are—striving for excellence, individual as well as group efforts, some of the lighter side of life, and the opportunities to learn and grow that make the “college years” such an important part of growing up in America.”
Dean Ludescher presented Class of 2017 representatives with their class banner and the new students formed a processional to Passion Puddle, where they walked clockwise around the pond. Upon graduation, the Class of 2017 will walk counterclockwise around Passion Puddle by candlelight. Barbara Turpin, campus dean for undergraduate education, notes the importance of this ritual. “Ceremony is important to marking transitions. The Induction Ceremony enabled us to renew a tradition linking this class to those that come before and after. The walk they shared today, the class will share again to mark their graduation.”
At the end of the processional, students visited the Mr. Softee ice cream trucks that were lined up along Red Oak Lane, for a sweet conclusion to the event.
The Induction Ceremony and ice cream social were sponsored by the SEBS Office of Academic Programs and the Office of the Cook Campus Dean.
