FARMINGTON – University of Maine at Farmington and town officials welcomed about 560 new students to campus at a matriculation ceremony held on Saturday.
In the traditional ceremony held in Dearborn Gym, each student received matriculation cords as a formal recognition of their entry into college, as their friends and family members sat on the bleachers above, watched. Throughout the day, a steady stream of students and parents carried loads of belongings from vehicles into the dorms, with orientation meetings on all the particulars to be held all weekend.
Jamie Marcus, UMF’s director of admission, said 80 percent of the new students come from 177 towns and cities in Maine, with all 16 Maine counties represented. The town with the most students attending is Farmington. The 20 percent of out-of-state students come from 13 different states and two other countries – Hong Kong, China and Rwanda.
“You are smart,” Marcus told the students, noting the Class of 2017 has, on average, the highest grade point, SAT score and class rank of any class in the last three years. The class grade point average was a 3.0 and the SAT scores averaged 35 points higher.
Other class stats include 52 percent were involved in high school athletics and the same percentage held a job while in high school. Thirty-six percent were involved in the arts, and 49 percent performed community service. There are also new students transferring from 28 different community colleges.
Marcus urged the hundreds of students “to applaud for whoever was responsible for getting you here.”
UMF president, Kathryn A. Foster, welcomed her students and said they will be part of a 150th celebration of UMF’s founding this year.
“It’s a monumental occasion,” she said. In 1863, the Western State Normal School opened, the first higher public education in Maine. “How pleased we are you’re joining us.”
Sarah Maline, associate professor of art history, warned the new students of homesickness.
“Many of you will get a sense of displacement until you find your place here,” she said. She advised getting involved and then they will find their new place here.
“Welcome to our lovely and beautiful town,” said Farmington Town Manager Richard Davis. “Farmington and UMF are a close-knit community. My personal wish is that you grow so attached you decide to remain here” and he added “Farmington is honored to have you here.”
On Tuesday, the academic convocation will be held with Maline delivering the keynote speech. Her remarks will focus on “A Sense of Place,” based on a chapter of Lucy Lippard’s Being in Place. Maline’s presentation will trace change in community and culture through images of UMF’s long history. Afterwards, students will break into small groups for discussion on that topic.
In a new community event, downtown merchants will also be holding a special welcome to UMF students with a day of special deals and a reception for all UMF students with food, entertainment and a door prizes on Sept. 9.
According to an organizer Paul Mills, the event is designed to welcome both new UMF students, as well as current ones. Discounts will be offered with a student ID on Sept. 9 during hours that businesses are open.
On the same day, a reception for all UMF students will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Homestead Bakery on Broadway in downtown Farmington and will feature free appetizers, soft drinks, door prizes, live music.
Congratulations on your new adventure. You have chosen a great school. It is now up to you to earn the Best education possible. Good luck and enjoy.