Spelman College recently welcomed 700 first-time students and their loved ones during New Student Orientation 2024 – a week of events and programming designed to acclimate new and transfer students to life inside the College's historic gates.
This year's theme, "Undaunted by the Fight: Empowering Excellence | Inspiring Change", not only highlighted the key pillars of the College's new strategic plan, but also amplified two important elements of the 21st Spelman student experience.
Students and their families spent August 13-14 moving into – and decorating – their dorm rooms, exploring their new surroundings and grabbing plenty of merchandise from the bookstore featuring the College's recently revived Jaguar mascot – just in time for the academic year.
During "When and Where I Enter" in Sisters Chapel, new Spelmanites received an inspiring welcome and a taste of the College’s rich history from their Spelman sisters, including Spelman Student Government Association President Simone Moales, and President Helene Gayle. Near the close of the event, Vice President of Student Affairs Darryl Holloman spoke power to Spelman’s enduring legacy of unshakeable sisterhood while encouraging the Class of 2028 to not leave their sisters behind as they traverse the journey to commencement.
Closing Celebration on the Spelman College Oval was an emotional gathering of new students and their loved ones for a bittersweet start of a new chapter at Spelman. As attendees shed tears and said their goodbyes, Rev. Nichelle Guidry, offered words of comfort and assurance during the ceremony that were equal parts motivational and encouraging as the Class of 2028 makes the transition to adulthood.
Following a few days of bonding, information sessions, extracurricular programming and preparation for their academic studies, the Class of 2028 joined their Morehouse College peers for Joint Convocation – a tradition that collectively joins the students together for the first time. This year's convocation featured a fireside chat between Spelman College President Gayle and Morehouse College President David Thomas, exemplifying the unique connection between both institutions.
Other highlights of NSO 2024 included a session for first-generation college students, a welcome reception hosted by the Granddaughters Club and a voter registration drive in preparation for a historic 2024 presidential election.
With classes back in session, Spelman College would like to wish its students, faculty and staff a great 2024-2025 academic year ahead!
For exclusive NSO 2024 highlights, visit Spelman College's Instagram account.