FARMINGTON – University of Maine at Farmington administrators, student officers and singers, the town manager and a bagpiper officially welcomed 550 first year students in a ceremony held on Friday afternoon.
In his welcoming remarks to students, their parents and friends attending the matriculation ceremony, Jared Cash, UMF’s vice president for enrollment, said the entering class of 2016 “is the most impressive class to enter UMF. Period.”
Notable, he said, is that 51 percent graduated from high school in the top 30th percentile and 40 percent submitted advance placement scores when they applied. He said a total of 2,235 people submitted applications for enrollment. The new students come from 20 different states and three arrived from other countries.
Of the freshmen class, which is one of the largest in a number of years, 36 percent had one parent or both parents attend UMF. Four students came with a twin brother or sister, Cash said.
Farmington Town Manger Richard Davis welcomed students and encouraged them to get involved in the community, to explore what the area has to offer and added after graduating from UMF, he hoped they would consider staying here.
Jamie Austin, student senate president, also offered some advice that included completing their assigned school work, getting “a reasonable amount of sleep,” and “to branch out and do something new.” Austin added, “take advantage of what this place has to offer.”
Kathryn Foster, UMF’s president, told the students they are part of a large, smart and talented class and thanked their families and friends for their support. Among the advice she gave to students was that although their life on campus is something new and different, she said to be patient and realize it may take time to get used to it.
The entering class received their matriculation cords with Foster formally declaring the students officially enrolled at UMF. A processional, led by bagpiper Robert Underwood to a reception held at Roberts Learning Center.
UMF classes start on Monday.
They’ll find UMF to be one of the best and most welcoming schools in Maine, just as I did when I was a new student many years ago!
I love it when the UMF students return each year. I really do. The town gains a vibrancy and energy (and economic shot in the arm) that’s fantastic. Welcome back, kids!
I sincerely HOPE that as part of the orientation the new students were told Not to stand at crosswalks and converse with their friends when they don’t intend to cross. Also, to put the phone away for 45 seconds while crossing the street.