First-year welcome: ‘Mixing curiosity with creativity’

The sun poked out from the clouds as the Penn Glee Club sang “Let the River Run” on the steps of College Hall, casting soft shadows on Benjamin Franklin’s statue and a few hundred first-year and transfer students, their families, and guests gathered on College Green for an official welcome from President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson, Jr.

Sitting near the front of the crowd to hear from University leaders were Marissa Casto and her parents Kathy and Matt from Inwood, West Virginia. Earlier in the day, they had finished going up and down five flights of stairs moving Marissa into Ware College House and began exploring her new city. “We went to the Bookstore, went out to eat. It was nice, it was really smooth, and the moving was very fast and efficient,” said Marissa, a Penn Nursing student.

It was the Castos’ second time moving a child in at Penn, with older sister Makenna having graduated in 2021, and their fifth and final time seeing a student off to college. “We’ve seen firsthand the opportunities that the school offers,” said Kathy Casto.

The big picture: “You’re going to have a chance, in the classroom and in the laboratories, to build on everything that you’ve done up until now. There are going to be moments where that spark will go off,” Jameson told students. “There will be a flash of insight. You’ll be growing and learning.”

The Penn picture: In addition to this being the 250th anniversary of the United States, Jameson noted, it’s also the 150th anniversary of women at Penn and of Penn football, and the 100th anniversary of the Palestra. Next semester will see the opening of the new Platt Student Performing Arts Center, a fitting focus for the high number of students who participate in live arts, remarked Jameson.

Why it matters: Penn offers “an education that builds a community by mixing theory with practice, learning with service, and curiosity with creativity,” Jackson told the audience. “Above all, Penn is going to push them to truly figure out not just what they’re capable of intellectually, but who they want to become, who they will be in this world, and what mark they hope to leave.”

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One emotional thing: “I know what this is like, dropping a family member off at a university,” said Jameson, recalling his own experience as a former Penn parent. “It’s exciting, but it’s also emotional. You’ve done a great job preparing the students to get here. They belong here. Every one of you belongs here.”

One fun thing: “If anyone asks, your favorite colors for now and evermore are red and blue!” Jackson said, to cheers from the crowd.

Parents’ perspective: Mother Laura Hamilton of Charlotte, North Carolina, said she’s helped countless students find their path as a college and career adviser, but “it’s different when it’s your own bird coming out of the nest.” She said for her daughter Rayna Hamilton, “I wanted her to have the choice to go where she felt she was called to be. … I’m excited for her, but I’m going to miss her to death.”

Seeing the world: Rayna Hamilton said she was specifically looking forward to studying abroad, with her sights set on London—though “I’ll go anywhere!” she said.

Why Penn: Hamilton said that as an Irish dancer, she and her mother got to see a lot of Pennsylvania traveling to Celtic music festivals. In addition to the quality of education, the Penn Nursing student said the University’s environment was a big attraction: “I always wanted to go to college in the city—I love being in the middle of things—but I also love that it gives kind of cool architectural vibes.”

Advice from the singers: The best way to settle in at Penn, agreed Glee Club members and third-years Theodore Linde of Philadelphia and Aaditya Karnataki of Cupertino, California, is to find a club or activity beyond the classroom. “When you first join a school it can be overwhelming by the newness of everything,” Linde said. “Make the most of your first year all you can and find your social hub.” Karnataki echoed that advice, saying students shouldn’t be afraid to change activities along the way: “You still want to get a good base of people and connections.”

What’s next: Ian Stefanovski, a chemistry major from West Chester, Pennsylvania, had his eyes on a calculus test, but after that, “I’m going to try and do as many things to meet as many people as possible—make some new friends, get myself acquainted, and all that.” Trying out for the hockey team was on his to-do list as well. Marissa Casto said she’s looking forward to connecting with clubs and other students. “I want to try to do all the events I can at New Student Orientation,” she said.

Summing it up: Speaking directly to parents, family members, and guests, Jameson said: “What I hope is that when students walk across the stage at Commencement, you will recognize them, but will also see that they are different, that they’ve grown, they’ve learned, they are more confident. So, I welcome you to Penn. We appreciate your handing your students off to us. We’re going to take good care of them.”