Sitting in chairs that reflected their experiences at Gettysburg College, four seniors shared stories of growth, discovery, and belonging with the Class of 2030 during Experience Gettysburg as part of Orientation.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, four chairs sat on the stage of Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater, each representing far more than a place to sit. They symbolized the spaces, experiences, and relationships that have shaped the journeys of members of the Class of 2027 over the past three years.
The audience seats inside the theater were filled by members of the Class of 2030, listening as the seniors shared the stories behind their chosen chairs during Experience Gettysburg. This Orientation tradition introduces members of Gettysburg’s newest class to the opportunities, connections, and sense of place that can define their time on campus.
Their stories reflected different paths, but carried a common message: Remain open to what comes next. Whether discovering an unplanned passion, finding a place that feels like home, asking for help, or pursuing a question that opens an unexpected door, the seniors encouraged Gettysburg’s newest students to embrace the people, places, and possibilities that may ultimately shape their own journeys.
Riley Dunbar ’27
Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland
Majors: Music and Cinema & Media Studies
“I chose to sit on a piano bench, despite not being a pianist myself. The music I worked on with Prof. [Jocelyn] Swigger, who is a fantastic pianist, was largely piano music. I had spent many long, hot summer days on this piano bench, working through edits as we reached the final stages of publishing this fantastic music by Czech composer Agnes Tyrrell.
“Whenever someone asks me what my advice is for college, I always tell them one thing: If something interests you, speak up about it. Be loud about it. Find people who feel the same. It may open doors you had never even considered before. My work with Prof. Swigger on Agnes Tyrrell’s music blossomed from one simple nagging question: ‘Why can’t I find this music anywhere?’”
Zaira Henry ’27
Hometown: Canefield, Dominica
Majors: Studio Art and Biology
“The chair I sat on belongs to the ceramic studio on campus. Taking and falling in love with ceramics was not something I planned on. However, this chair is where I spent countless late nights not only covered in clay, but also creating, talking to my professor and advisor about my future, and sometimes simply sitting with everything that was happening in my life. Looking back, I realize how many different versions of myself have sat in that same seat. Bringing it with me felt like bringing a small piece of the place where I quietly grew, molding myself into the person I wanted to be.
“I wanted the Class of 2030 to know that some of the most meaningful parts of college may be the ones they never plan for. The people who change them, the places that become home, the opportunities that scare them, and even the moments when they feel completely unsure of themselves can all become part of who they are. I hope they give themselves the freedom to experience Gettysburg fully, without rushing to have everything figured out.”
Arnaz Mahbub ’27
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Majors: Public Policy and Mathematical Economics
“My chair was from Servo, our dining hall, where I’ve spent countless hour-long dinners with people who started as strangers and became family. So much of my three years building a sense of home happened in chairs just like it, over conversations that ran long because no one wanted to leave.
“Belonging here doesn’t happen all at once; it’s built slowly, through small moments and people who choose to be kind. But Gettysburg also asks something in return: to give back. That doesn’t require a grand gesture. Most of the time, it’s little everyday things. Show up consistently, pay attention to what your community needs, and home will find you.”
Keefer Stiles ’27
Hometown: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Majors: Psychology and Health Sciences
“The reason I chose my chair was because that is really where my Gettysburg College experience began. I did not have a move-in day my first year of college, and it really wasn’t my first year at Gettysburg College either. I felt that the chair from the daycare was more representative and realistic of where I started my college career here and how far I have come since then.
“I have two pieces of advice for the Class of 2030. First, don’t be afraid to say the hard things you want to keep inside out loud, and try new things. I think your first year can be hard and scary to try and navigate by yourself, so it’s important to ask for help from the people around you. They all want you to succeed. Second, find your home here. It may be hard or take a while, but it’s ready to welcome you.”
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By Corey Jewart
Photos by Corey Jewart
Posted: 09/11/26