The 88th Opening Exercises began, as in past years, with the student body’s welcoming the incoming freshmen while singing the University Hymn. But the content of the program was different this year in that it resembled a ceremony.
On Sept. 1, new students responded collectively that they were committed to building their faith, fulfilling their academic potential and becoming faithful servants of Christ. Faculty members accepted a charge to “strive to deliver a biblically faithful liberal arts education” to their students and “encourage (them) to reflect and serve Christ.”
The Opening Exercises serve as a bookend to commencement that will take place in four years for the current freshmen.
“Ceremony denotes importance. And the Opening Exercises are an important part of your school year.” —Rebecca Weier