The incoming class hails from 25 states and 17 countries, with enrollment up 30% from last fall. Staff, including President Kristine Dillon ’73 and Whittier mascot Johnny Poet, were on hand to welcome students and their families as they arrived.
“I am so excited to start class,” said first-year student Tralley Jacobs of Saint George, Utah. “Especially Introduction to Screenplay Writing — I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Marking the students’ official entry to Whittier was the President’s Convocation and Light of Learning in Harris Amphitheater on Sunday, Aug. 17. President Dillon and other leaders shared words of wisdom with the campus community.
“College is a time for delving deeper into new fields and new ideas,” Dillon said. “Your explorations and interactions won’t always be exciting, fun, or even rewarding. But I encourage you to dig deeper into those unfamiliar ideas until you reach at least a respectful relationship with both ideas and people. Remind yourself of this, especially when you find different perspectives and new knowledge coming from others quite different from yourself.”
The time-honored event marked the new academic chapter, and highlighted key student success programs.
“You have the distinction of being the inaugural class for our new Whittier Works program,” Vice President for Enrollment Ken Woods ’84 said. “This innovative initiative will connect your academic learning with real-world experience through guaranteed internships, research opportunities, and community partnerships. Whittier Works ensures that every one of you will graduate not just with knowledge, but with the practical experience and professional connections that will launch your careers.”
Signing names to The Rock — a Whittier tradition that resumed last year after a hiatus — continued to make its comeback this week. Orientation and the first days of school have been filled with vibrancy, from field games to shared meals to activities at the Graham Athletic Center and more.
“The first week is about connection and possibility,” said Dean of Students Xenia Markowitt. “Transitioning to Whittier is exciting and filled with promise, inviting you to step forward with openness, courage, and active engagement. We are thrilled you’re here and ready to support you every step of your Poet journey.”
Poets eager for more games and connections should attend the Activities Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Upper Quad.
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