Gettysburg’s traditions introduce students to a supportive community, encourage personal growth, and connect them to the College’s enduring values and history as they begin their transformative journey.
From Move-In Day’s warm greetings to the formal traditions of Opening Convocation and the reflective First-Year Walk, these signature moments offered opportunities for Gettysburg College’s Class of 2029 to engage with the community and begin forging lifelong friendships.
Together, these unique Gettysburg traditions mark the start of a transformative experience that extends well beyond the classroom, inviting every student to explore their passions, embrace new perspectives, and shape their own consequential Gettysburg story.
Move-In Day and Opening Convocation
The excitement was palpable as Gettysburg College welcomed the Class of 2029 and their families to campus for Move-In Day. From the moment cars pulled up along Lincoln Avenue, students, faculty, alumni, and staff came together to lend a hand—hauling boxes, sharing directions, and offering reassuring smiles.
This spirit of support reflects the heart of the Gettysburg experience: a community eager to lift one another up. For many, it marked the beginning of lasting connections.
“We are thrilled to welcome you to a place that will be your home not just for the next four years but, if you are like most of our graduates, one that will be a touchstone for the rest of your life,” said President Bob Iuliano during the 194th Opening Convocation Ceremony later that day.
“The greatest risk you can take is trying to do college alone, and that’s one risk you’ll never have to face here.”
–Alfredo Román Jordán ’26
Student Senate President Alfredo Román Jordán ’26, a physics major from Madrid, Spain, offered words of encouragement to the incoming class, reminding them that their time at Gettysburg is filled with limitless possibility. His message underscored the importance of taking risks, no matter how small, and embracing the opportunities that shape a student’s journey.
“Where you are now, in this moment, is the base of an ever-growing tree, one that will branch out in countless directions with every choice you’ll make here at Gettysburg,” he shared.
[EMBED FLICKR GALLERY] – MOVE-IN/CONVOCATION
Faculty speaker and Chemistry Prof. Tim Funk ’00 urged students not to shy away from discomfort, but to view it as a path to growth. His reflections on his own Gettysburg experience—from meeting lifelong friends to working at the College radio station—resonated with students navigating their first days on campus.
“Putting yourself in situations where you know there will be some discomfort is critical to personal growth and getting what you want out of life,” Funk advised. “New knowledge, important discoveries, and groundbreaking ideas don’t come from getting the right answers; they come from thinking about and solving problems that no one has answered.”
Standing under the portico of Pennsylvania Hall, President Iuliano reminded the newest Gettysburgians that their education is deeply rooted in community and collaboration. In his remarks, Iuliano called on students to engage fully with their classmates and professors, to seek out diverse perspectives, and to approach their education with curiosity and courage.
“An education is not a solitary pursuit,” Iuliano stated. “We learn from each other. We rely on one another. Each one of us profoundly influences the experiences of other members of the community. There's something powerful about a healthy and supportive community—it strengthens all of us and helps all of us achieve our goals.”
As he closed his address, Román Jordán noted the journey of discovery waiting ahead:
“Here’s my challenge to you: be brave enough to take risks, but be wise enough to lean on the incredible community around you,” Román Jordán said. “Trust your professors, connect with your advisors often, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The greatest risk you can take is trying to do college alone, and that’s one risk you’ll never have to face here.”
[EMBED VIDEO] [SUBHEAD:] First-Year Walk The First-Year Walk is one of Gettysburg College’s most cherished traditions, connecting new students to the College’s historic roots and the ideals that define our community. This year, the Class of 2029 retraced the steps of Gettysburg students who walked to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in 1863 to hear President Abraham Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address. Beginning at Christ Chapel and processing through the heart of town, the march of students, faculty, and staff culminated at Gettysburg National Military Park, a site of solemn remembrance and reflection. There, students considered the profound human cost of the Battle of Gettysburg and the charge Lincoln left to future generations.
"Class of 2029, we are gathered on this sacred ground to remember the immeasurable sacrifices of so many during and after the Battle of Gettysburg,” said Class of 2026 president Aynsley Lane ’26, “but also to rise to the challenge that President Lincoln delivered to us as Gettysburgians: 'be dedicated here to the unfinished work for which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.'"
During the ceremony, Gettysburg Mayor Rita C. Frealing welcomed the class on behalf of the community and presented Awa Diop ’29 with the key to the city—a symbolic gesture of partnership between the College and the town. Before enrolling at Gettysburg, Diop, who was born in Senegal, attended her last two years of high school at UWC (United World College)-USA in Montezuma, New Mexico, where she was a Davis UWC Scholar.
“As I look out at you, I envy the adventure that you are about to commence.”
–History Prof. Michael Birkner ’72, P’10
Long-time History Prof. Michael Birkner ’72, P’10 was given the honor of reciting Lincoln’s immortal address and providing his own empowering remarks to the new Gettysburgians. Birkner noted Lincoln’s intent with his long-ago speech, which sought to heal a divided nation and embark on a bright new future together. “As I look out at you, I envy the adventure that you are about to commence,” Birkner said. “Making new friends, stretching your minds, show what with good mentoring and hard work, you are capable of accomplishing. “You are blessed with good fortune in being here,” he continued. “I hope you'll take seriously Lincoln's message about doing right for those who died for our democracy. If you do, you'll have done your duty as citizens, and we will have a better country.”
The evening concluded with the playing of “Taps” by retired United States Air Force Band member Jari Villanueva before students walked solemnly across the hallowed ground and passed the stone sentinels lining the path through the National Cemetery. As the Class of 2029 enters this next chapter, they do so with a renewed commitment to Lincoln’s ‘unfinished work’ and the values that define Gettysburg College.
[EMBED FLICKR GALLERY] – FY WALK
Learn more about the traditions that connect us as a College community.
By Corey Jewart
Photos by Abbey Frisco, Hang Lian, Luke Waldner, Alyssa Riegel
Posted: 08/22/25