Penn State officially welcomed the Class of 2025 Saturday night with its annual New Student Convocation ceremony.

Student musician Emmanuel Huondo kicked off the night with a violin performance to get the Bryce Jordan Center crowd going before President Eric Barron and Penn State faculty were introduced.

President Barron kicked off his speech with a performance of the Alma Mater by Huondo and Katrina Cole. He began his speech by imploring students to stay smart as the pandemic persists.

“Before we go on to beat Auburn, Indiana, and Michigan at Beaver Stadium, let’s beat COVID-19. And the best way is to get vaccinated,” Barron said.

After rattling off some fun facts about the incoming class, he went on to offer advice to the freshmen about making the most of their Penn State experience.

“Your classmates are fascinating,” he said. “I encourage you to find out more about their talents, brainpower, and achievements. Look around. This room is full of people with common interests…Introduce yourself. Explore the campus.”

President Barron closed by expressing his pride in Penn State.

“We’re proud of the ‘We Are’ spirit that has brought Penn Staters together for generations, and it brings all of us together as we begin a new academic year,” he said.

Penn State Provost Nick Jones took the stage after President Barron. He also offered advice to first-year students as they begin their college careers.

“I want you all to thrive in every way during your time at Penn State,” Jones said. “I want you to love learning, make friends, be happy, and have fun. All of that is part of the college experience.”

UPUA Vice President Najee Rodriquez was the last speaker of the evening. He offered a message of hope as freshmen come to campus under some certainly unexpected circumstances.

“The next four years here will be some of the most wonderful years of your life,” he said. “And yet, they will begin with continued uncertainty and strife. But if anyone can overcome the additional challenges the next few years will bring, it is all of you, the Class of 2025.”

After advising the incoming class to take advantage and learn from the people around them, Rodriguez concluded the night with a “We Are” cheer.

Welcome to Penn State, Class of 2025! Get ready to embark on the best four years of your life.

Editor’s note: This post’s featured image depicts the Class of 2023’s New Student Convocation ceremony from 2019.