UNE welcomes record number of new students in convocation celebration

On August 30, 2016, University of New England President Danielle Ripich welcomed the Class of 2020, UNE’s largest and most geographically diverse undergraduate class to date, with students hailing from 32 states.

Convocation is held at the beginning of each academic year to honor and welcome the incoming undergraduate class. It is the initiation of the newest members of the UNE community. President Ripich’s advice to incoming freshman reflected her own deep connection to lifelong learning, encouraging these new students to take an active role in their education and to join UNE’s community of learners.

“Don’t think of yourself as a vessel, here to be spoon-fed information by a wise and all-knowing faculty,” President Ripich said. “You are not a pail, here to be filled up. Think of yourself, instead, as an active agent in our community of learners. Our job is to provide the kindling and, perhaps, a spark. Your job is to let your fire burn wherever it may lead you. Let your intellectual curiosity be ignited and let it burn with the sort of intensity that brings clarity to your thinking and illuminates the dark corners where new knowledge lies waiting to be discovered.”

Several special events were held as UNE kicked off the new school year. On August 29, Vice President for Global Affairs Anouar Majid welcomed 34 students to UNE’s campus in Tangier, Morocco with a convocation celebration. After their first day of classes on Wednesday, August 31, students in Biddeford will gather for First Day Fireworks. On Saturday, September 17 students, faculty and staff will have the chance to showcase their UNE pride when the Harvard University Women’s Rugby team travels to Maine as the Crimson takes on the Nor’easters in a historic matchup.

During their time at UNE, students will have numerous opportunities to expand their learning beyond the classroom. They can experience the world through global travel by studying at the university’s campus in Tangier, Morocco, its partner institutions in France and Spain, or though travel experiences such as medical missions. They can choose from 91 clubs and organizations and 16 varsity NCAA sports. They will have research, service learning and community outreach opportunities that will entrench them in the community and give them hands-on, real world experience. 

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions