Welcoming Our Newest Hounds
Assumption University’s Class of 2029 was officially welcomed to the community on Friday, August 22 as they arrived on campus and participated in the Matriculation Ceremony.
At the ceremony, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Marc Guerra encouraged students to read the University’s mission statement each year and ask themselves two discerning questions. “Have I lived up to this awe-inspiring understanding of education? And has Assumption lived up to its promise to offer me this kind of education?”
Guerra concluded by citing matriculation’s time-honored role in higher education. “This ceremony publicly marks the precise moment when you officially become a proud and valued member of an academic and educational community. We’re glad you’ve joined us. Hold yourself, and hold us, to the task of ensuring that you get such an education here.”
After an invocation by Vice President for Mission Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A., President Greg Weiner addressed the nature of Catholic liberal education, and the distinctiveness of an Assumption education rooted in Augustinian principles.
“Taken together, the words, ‘Catholic’, ‘liberal’, and ‘education’ form a tradition of inquiry, teaching, and learning that speaks to the human heart and human condition, no matter who we are or what we believe,” said Weiner. “Augustinians seek truth together and place a particular emphasis on listening to one another. As citizens of this academic community, we befriend one another in the desire to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty wherever they are to be found—and they are found all around us.”
Director of Campus Ministry Luis Melgar, who joined the Assumption community earlier this month, led a community blessing and encouraged students to embrace the transformation that they will experience over the next four years, comparing their journey that of Moses.
“Throughout the exchange between Moses and God is a level of uncertainty, skepticism, and fear about what lies ahead. Moses wonders how he’ll get through this transition. You may be asking yourselves, but who am I to start college now? Doubt and uncertainty lie ahead, yes, but that is what faith is. As Hebrews 11 reminds us, faith is confidence in what we do not yet see.”
Student Government Association President Sofia Bruno ’26 then gave her own advice to the first years, speaking of her own journey as an undergraduate and inviting them into Assumption’s supportive community.
“I have built a family like no other here. I can confidently say Assumption is my home away from home,” said Bruno. “I say this to show you that anything is possible. If I can go from the girl crying on move-in day to standing here today, I promise you can do whatever you set your mind to. Take this time to reflect on who you want to become these next few years. I, along with the faculty and family at Assumption, will always be there to support you. Whether you are eager to start this chapter or nervous like I was, I can assure you that you made the right choice in trusting Assumption University for your college experience.”