Hood College marked the start of its 125th academic year with its annual Convocation ceremony Monday morning in the Hodson Outdoor Theater.

President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., welcomed new and returning students to campus. President Chapdelaine highlighted the 125th academic year by encouraging students to devote 125 minutes a day to studying, 125 minutes a week to exercise and 125 hours, over the course of the academic year, to community service. Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, recognized students receiving Convocation Honors and Hood Scholars; and Donna Bertazzoni, professor of journalism, delivered the keynote address.

On behalf of the Alumni Executive Board, Catherine Traini from the Class of 2016, offered the senior class some inspiring advice. Catherine emphasized the importance of building strong connections with peers, a healthy work/life balance and to always “trust your gut.” Catherine concluded her speech by presenting the Class of 2018 with their senior pins.

This year’s group of new students includes 258 new first-year students and 85 new transfer students. Members of the Class of 2021 come from 19 states, the District of Columbia and five foreign countries. There are 190 new graduate students this year including 33 international students from 11 different countries. Twenty-seven of the new graduate students are Hood College alumni—either with a Hood bachelor’s degree or a previous Hood master’s degree. Hood’s total student population is 2,076.