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Allegheny College welcomed the Class of 2023 and their families at today’s academic convocation and matriculation ceremony in Raymond P. Shafer Auditorium.

New students represent 370 high schools, 41 states and 26 different countries, and 31 percent of the class are first-generation college students. Approximately two-thirds of the incoming class graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school class, with an average GPA of 3.53. In addition, 57 percent of the class participated in some form of civic engagement in high school.

Allegheny College President Hilary L. Link, who began her tenure as president on July 1, addressed the class during the ceremony.

“It is a particular privilege to welcome you in one of my first official acts as the college’s 22nd president,” Link said. “For I, too, am part of Allegheny’s latest entering class — eager to learn student names and hear your stories, still finding my way around campus, still seeking special places of comfort on campus and in town to begin to call home. So, rest assured, we are in this together — I will be part of your journey at Allegheny as much as you will always be part of mine.”

Allegheny Provost and Dean of the College Ron Cole formally accepted the class as the college’s newest students during the ceremony. In his remarks, Cole shared with students that their Allegheny education will go far deeper than simply earning a degree.

“As demonstrated by stories from our alumni from around the world, we know that an Allegheny education leads to great outcomes,” Cole said. “I believe that these outcomes happen when we do more than earn a degree and that this is woven into the fabric of an Allegheny education … you will be empowered with learning how to learn, how to be critical and creative thinkers — prepared as life-long learners to meet challenges in our diverse and interconnected world.”

In addition to their academic credentials, students in the Class of 2023 bring an impressive array of other interests, talents and achievements to Allegheny. Among the class are a volunteer with an environmental nonprofit in the Amazon rainforest, a Meadville “Person of the Year” award winner, an entrepreneur who started a tree-stump grinding business, a community chorus concertmaster, and a competitor at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

“The Class of 2023 embodies many of the talents, gifts and skills we treasure in every student at Allegheny,” said Cornell LeSane II, senior vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions. “Having the opportunity to get to know our newest Gators through the admissions process is always an honor. Surrounded by a dynamic college community, I’m excited to witness their growth and pursuits as they embark on a transformative journey at Allegheny.”

The college begins the 2019–20 academic year with a host of completed and ongoing initiatives to enhance the academic and co-curricular experience for students, including classroom enhancements, residence hall renovations, and upgrades and additions to athletic facilities. Two new varsity teams will begin competition for the Gators this academic year: field hockey in the fall and men’s lacrosse in the spring.