By Faye Dorman
Staff Writer
Washington College held its 2025 Fall Convocation to recognize community leadership and academic excellence, as well as to formally welcome the freshman class at 4 p.m. on Aug. 28 in Decker Theatre.
Opening remarks were given by Richard Wheeler ’86, the Board of Visitors and Governors chair following senior Stevie Lyles’ performance of the National Anthem.
Wheeler welcomed the freshman class and introduced interim President Dr. Bryan Matthews ’75, who addressed the newest members of campus and encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities at WC.
“You’ve come to a place that will both challenge and support you, and will help you discover what you want to do and how you want to do it,” President Matthews said. “Your education won’t be limited to the classroom.”
Johnnie Johnson, the vice president for enrollment management shared that the most popular intended majors among first-year students are business management, environmental science, psychology, biology, and education studies.
“None of you are bound to your original plans,” Johnson said. “To change your mind is to take in new ideas and experiences and apply them moving forward.”
Students in the new class are from 20 different U.S. states and 10 different countries, and forty percent are members of WC athletic teams.
SGA President junior Zach Tipton said the class of 2029 is the most “energetic, goal-oriented, social, and spirited” class he has seen while attending WC. Tipton is excited to help new students integrate further with campus life, he said.
Ellen Basset ’12 received The Alumni Horizon Ribbon Award for her work in river protection and restoration in Anne Arundel County. Keenan Wheeler ’10 was also recognized by the alumni award for his role as a team physician at the U.S. Naval Academy’s athletic department.
Provost and Dean of the College Kiho Kim presented academic awards to WC’s returning students.
Medals were awarded to the sophomores and juniors with the highest GPAs in their respective classes, and a total of 30 rising seniors were named Middendorf Scholars for their academic excellence and leadership qualities.
Kappa Sigma and Alpha Omicron Pi were recognized as the fraternity and sorority with the highest overall GPAs in the previous academic year.
The keynote address was delivered by Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Studies Dr. Rebecca Fox, this year’s recipient of the distinguished teaching award.
“I am where I am today due to people who helped me, and inspired me, accompanied by quite a bit of reflection, hard work, and perseverance,” Dr. Fox said.
Many faculty members lingered in Martha Washington Square with the Peer Mentors after the ceremony to applaud the first-year students for completing their first full week of classes and beginning their higher education journeys.
Photo by Olivia Long
Photo Caption: SGA President junior Zachary Tipton addresses the new class of Washington College students at the institution’s 2025 Fall Convocation.