Waynesburg U. welcomes incoming class

Waynesburg University's 2026-27 academic year officially commenced Friday, Aug. 21, with the annual Matriculation Ceremony held at 2 p.m. in Roberts Chapel.

President Douglas G. Lee, Provost Mindy Walls and other University leaders formally welcomed new students to campus during the ceremony, a longstanding Waynesburg tradition.

During the Matriculation Address, President Lee encouraged incoming students to practice perseverance, citing examples of the University's early leaders faithfully persevering amidst hardships.

"Practice perseverance," President Lee said. "If you develop that central quality of not giving up, not getting discouraged, working through the hard times and enjoying the good times, almost nothing will be impossible for you."

This semester, 423 new undergraduate students matriculated to the University, including traditional freshmen and students enrolled in Second Degree Nursing and LPN-to-BSN programs.

The Class of 2030 represents 21 states, Puerto Rico, Finland and South Korea, with declared majors spanning all academic departments of the University. The incoming class has approximately $13 million in aid being processed, including $8 million in institutional funds, making Waynesburg University a very affordable option for high-quality, Christian higher education in Pennsylvania and the nation.

Nursing represents one of the University's fastest-growing graduate and non-traditional areas. The Second Degree Nursing Program serves individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline and wish to become registered nurses, and the LPN-to-BSN Program is a newly launched pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking a bachelor's degree in nursing and RN licensure.

"I would like to recognize Dr. Sherry Zak and her faculty for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to expanding access to nursing education," said Dr. David Mariner, Assistant Provost for Graduate and Non-Traditional Programs. "Through the development of transformative programs such as the Second Degree Nursing Program and the LPN-to-BSN pathway, they have created meaningful opportunities for students to pursue careers in nursing while addressing the growing healthcare needs of our communities. Their unwavering commitment to student success, academic excellence and workforce development is helping shape the next generation of nursing professionals."

New Jacket Orientation

At the end of the Matriculation Ceremony, department chairs and program directors lit candles from the flame of the ceremonial lamp, then extended their flames to the candles of the students, who shared their light with each other. The ceremony served as a tangible symbol of Waynesburg's motto, "Fiat Lux - Let There Be Light," and of the University's purpose of encouraging the transfer of knowledge across its campus.

The Matriculation Ceremony is one of the many events held during the University's annual New Jacket Orientation, designed to help immerse first-year and transfer students into the Waynesburg community through informational sessions, meet-and-greet opportunities with faculty, and engaging group activities centered on the University's three mission pillars of faith, service and learning.

New students moved into their residence halls Thursday, Aug. 20, and New Jacket Orientation events continue all weekend, including a day of service on Saturday, Aug. 22. Service sites include Corner Cupboard Food Bank, Eva K. Bowlby Public Library, Greene County Historical Society, WeCare Rolling Meadows, Warrior Trail Association of Greene County and more.

Upperclassmen return to campus Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 24.

About Waynesburg U.

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University's Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.