A fresh perspective

MC's Annual Matriculation and Freshmen Walkout

By Rebekah McCombs
Courier Staff

At 4p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, Monmouth College held its 152nd Annual Matriculation ceremony on Wallace Hall Plaza.

Speakers for the ceremony were Rev. Dr. B. Kathleen Fannin, chaplin; John Klockertager, vice president for enrollment; Dr. Rajkumar Ambrose, vice president for academic affairs; Brandie Miller, Student Senate President; Margaret Donnelly, President Tau Pi Chapter of Mortar Board and, making his first matriculation appearance, President Dr. Mauri Ditzler..

According to Jeff Rankin, director of college communications, “The goal of matriculation is to welcome the new students and to start their careers off in a religious way.”

Even though this walkout was held during classes, Rankin commented, “The turn out was great and this was one of the best matriculation ceremonies I’ve seen.”

This year’s matriculation brought in 441 new freshmen, with 367 new students, 56 transfers and 18 international students from 10 different countries.

In addition, there were 13 bagpipers and drummers who provided the music for matriculation.

According to Rankin, the Alumni Relations Department started a new tradition at matriculation this year.

As the new freshmen enter MC they received a dollar coin at the ceremony, he described.

The students were told to keep the coin and when they graduate four years from now they are to return the coins back to the faculty, who will then give the new incoming freshmen the coins.

Along with matriculation, the Freshmen Walkout was also a success once again since almost all of the freshmen were able to participate.

According to Rankin, “Every year gets better.”

In general, the walkout is an opportunity for the incoming freshmen class to unite and get to know one another. It is also a great chance for them to feel like they have become part of the student body and to get to know the businesses around Monmouth.

Additionally, the businesses around town enjoy being involved in the walkout because they can become familiar with the freshmen class.

There were 55 business people participating in this year’s walkout and some business owners call Monmouth early to make arrangements so they can be involved.

Rankin added, “Everyone was real positive and up beat. It was a good way to get the year started.”