Thousands of new Badgers kick off the school year with convocation ceremony

Thousands of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's newest students - almost students, that is, as classes don't start until tomorrow - gathered Tuesday in the Kohl Center for New Student Convocation, a formal welcome to campus and a ceremonial bookend meant to match the Camp Randall Stadium commencement event somewhere out in their bright future.

In the meantime, though, there is so much to do that the journey may seem daunting. Don't sweat it, embrace it, the first-timers heard from experienced UW-Madison students, faculty and leadership.

"Take it from someone who's been afforded so many wonderful opportunities here: Say yes to everything, especially the things that scare you. Make the most of every chance you get. Even if you don't want to, even if you don't think it'll stick or it doesn't fit into what 'you're here to do.' Surprise yourself!" said Heewone Lim, convocation's student speaker and a senior from Madison studying journalism, political science and folklore. "Your time here might seem endless, but it'll go by in the blink of an eye."

That blink will cover about 1,461 days, by Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin's count.

"What you do with those days will help chart a course for the rest of your life, too. We'll be here to help and support you, but it is up to you to decide what you'll do with this amazing opportunity," Mnookin said. "The math is actually pretty simple: The more you invest in your learning, the more value your education will have."

Convocation was full of numbers, including a musical number, the attendees' first group sing-along of "Varsity." According to the chancellor, a record number of applicants (about 74,000) included about 8,500 incoming first-year students and around 1,200 transfer students. More definite counts will come from a census taken on the tenth day of classes.

It's a very big band to fit into, even before accounting for tens of thousands of returning students. But campus wouldn't sound the same without each and every voice, argued Lori Reesor, vice chancellor for student affairs.

"Your unique perspective is exactly what this university needs to create something beautiful and meaningful. As you take in this moment, you may feel like a small instrument in this vast ensemble. But remember that even a single note can resonate deeply," Reesor said. "Your 'sound' truly strengthens and enriches our campus community."

Training your ear to take it all in is one key to success, said Percival Matthews, a professor of educational psychology. While he promised his colleagues in the faculty would live up to their billing as top-flight teachers and researchers, there may be even more to learned from classmates.

"These people are now part of that world that you can learn from if you engage them with genuine curiosity," Matthews said. "If you sometimes start conversations with, "Hey, what do you think?" - and then just listen - the people you stand to learn the very most from engaging with people who are the people most different from you."

It's a challenge that can pay great dividends, according to Mnookin.

"We want you to ask bold questions. We want you think deeply about ideas. And we want you to feel empowered both to agree and disagree with one another, and with your professors and with me," she said. "And when you have strong views, we want you to share those views. But also to do so with respect for our common humanity. Start out with curiosity and generosity rather than condemnation or judgment."

That's what Brooke Mercier signed up for. A first-year student from Union Grove with plans to study elementary education, Mercier is most excited about meeting new people.

"There are thousands of students on campus, each with their own unique background, experiences and stories," she said. "While that might feel overwhelming to some, I find it incredibly exciting. I'm looking forward to the conversations, friendships and shared experiences that will broaden my perspective and help me grow. I know this fall will be the start of something truly meaningful."

On their way out of the Kohl Center, students received a free copy of this year's Go Big Read selection, the 2025 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "James" by Percival Everett. They also picked up a poster of the gigantic human "W" they made together at Camp Randall on Aug. 27.

Convocation - part of Wisconsin Welcome and hosted by Chancellor Mnookin and the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement - is a shared first step on a path that could take them in any number of rewarding directions, if they're open to the possibilities.

Interim Provost John Zumbrunnen admitted it took more than a year to find the field (political science) that became "his thing." He urged new students not to ignore the call of something amazing and fascinating for something less fulfilling just because it's the plan.

"Be on the lookout for all the other opportunities to learn and grow that this amazing campus has to offer," he said. "If you see something you think you might be interested in - even if you're not sure - take a chance. Be bold. Give it a try."