President Sharon Herzberger Welcomes Class of 2013

Hundreds of new Poets descended upon the Whittier College campus this weekend for the 2009 new student orientation — Wild West Whittier.

More than 400 first-year and transfer students were on site to check into their dorms, register for classes, meet new classmates and professors, and in general, begin their transition into post-secondary academia.

The 2009 New Student Convocation, held Sunday evening at Harris Amphitheater, celebrated the 108th class to matriculate at Whittier College. During the ceremony, President Sharon Herzberger and the faculty welcomed all the new students and their families.

"You have chosen well in choosing Whittier College," President Herzberger told the incoming class."You have been granted a gift. Tonight as you sit in silence, listening, commit yourself to take advantage of all that this extraordinary gift can bring."