By Heather Fabritze
News Co-Editor
Esteemed faculty, students, and senior staff gathered in the Alonzo G. and Virginia Gent Decker Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 31 for Washington College’s fall convocation ceremony.
President of the College Dr. Michael Sosulski opened the event with a welcome to the Class of 2027, who were in attendance.
He encouraged the first years to take advantage of the opportunities before them to demonstrate curiosity and explore unfamiliar options.
“I recognize that it takes courage to open yourself up to the possibilities of the new and even more so to share those ideas with others around you,” Dr. Sosulski said. “I enthusiastically encourage you to take that step. Take that leap and do these things anyway. Even though sometimes they’re scary, you will not be disappointed.”
The president went on to describe the rich and “vibrant” life that each member of the campus community contributes to WC. Vice President for Enrollment Management Johnnie Johnson further emphasized this point in his address.
According to Johnson, the most popular majors among the Class of 2027 are business management, environmental science, psychology, biology, and the pre-med track. The average GPA of the first years comes in at a 3.8.
Student Government Association President junior Miranda Parrish, who spoke next, enforced the importance of having grace in all that one decides to do on-campus.
“You all will make mistakes,” Parrish said. “We all do. But this is a great place to make them. You have the chances — plural — to take on new roles into the passions you’ve already found. And most importantly, let your curiosity take the reins.”
The next member of the WC community to take to the podium was the Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors and Governors Richard Wheeler ‘86.
Wheeler detailed his personal experience with WC as a “special place” that changed his life. His advice for the first year students was to watch for moments during their time at the College that they would be unable to find anywhere else.
“You have come home to Washington College and to Chestertown,” Wheeler said. “In some way, this will always be home to you. Just as you are forever connected to the place where you were born, you will always have a place in your heart for Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and you will always be welcome back…after graduating, when I cross the Bay Bridge, I still feel like I’m coming home.”
Chair of the Alumni Board Jennifer Svehla ‘03 then opened up the awards section of the event. She announced the Alumni Horizon Ribbon Award, which was given to Cara Koontz ‘15. Koontz is currently the director of digital political campaigns at activism network Crooked Media.
The Alumni Service Award was presented to Albert J.A. Young ‘81, who served as a member of the BVG from 2004 to 2021.
Provost and Dean of the College Dr. Kiho Kim also gifted other academic honors to members of the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. The Interfraternity-Panhellenic Council Award for the Greek organizations with the highest GPAs were presented to Phi Delta Theta and Zeta Tau Alpha, respectively.
Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion Dr. Bin Song, who was the recipient of the 2023 Alumni Association’s Award for Distinguished Teaching, gave the fall convocation’s keynote address.
Dr. Sosulski closed the event with a few lasting reminders for the Class of 2027.
“Leave no question unasked and no stone unturned as you discover what connects your mind and sets your soul on fire,” Dr. Sosulski said. “The world’s changing and tomorrow’s leaders will be those who possess the ability to think, act boldly, and inspire those around them. So you can go
confidently towards your future, knowing that there is no better training for success than our liberal arts environment and that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.”
Photo courtesy of Pamela Cowart-Rickman
Photo Caption: President Dr. Sosulski opened and closed the event with two separate speeches.