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��Ӱֱ�� State officially welcomed more than 1,300 freshmen to campus Thursday during a New Student Convocation led by President Dr. Skip Sullivan.

This year’s incoming class is comprised of 1,340 students from 60 of New York’s 62 counties and 11 additional states, plus 30 international students from 10 countries. Of these new students, 145 have been identified as ��Ӱֱ�� State Distinguished Scholars and 186 additional students have been offered other scholarships in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements, exceptional vocational skills and extraordinary talents outside of the classroom. A number of students also bring with them previous work experience and successful college course work.

Sullivan told the students inside a packed Orvis Activities Center that he firmly believes they will leave ��Ӱֱ�� State with the passion to make a difference in this world.

“Now, from the time you stepped foot on this campus, you have resources available to you,” Sullivan said. “You have everything you need to transform the world and to transform yourself. Take advantages of these resources. Look for them. Seek them out.”

Kristin Poppo, newly appointed vice president for academic affairs, followed the college president’s remarks by reflecting on some words by American educational philosopher John Dewey, who said, “Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not a preparation for life but it is life itself.”

Poppo then encouraged students to take advantage of all ��Ӱֱ�� State has to offer.

“Engage in our cutting-edge sustainability and civic engagement initiatives. Go to all classes. Get to know your faculty,” Poppo said. “Put your all into the projects that faculty create for you. Join clubs and organizations. Recognize the opportunity you have each day to grow.”

After Poppo spoke, College Council Chair Pat Fogarty offered some welcoming remarks.

“This college exists for all of you,” Fogarty told the students. “We are here for you. You have a wonderful, wonderful faculty. Go to them with your problems. Go to them for direction. They will help you. And don’t ever doubt that any of us are here to help you.”

Greg Sammons, vice president for student affairs, then introduced students to ��Ӱֱ�� State’s “Principles of Community” and Executive Vice President of Student Senate Kory Shick led students in reciting the college oath.

After Sullivan’s concluding remarks, students, faculty, and staff headed to Pioneer Stadium to create a human ��Ӱֱ�� State logo for a photo session, which was followed by food, music and activities outdoors nearby the stadium.