The Class of 2027 is one of the strongest classes in UD’s history, Assanis said. A record 37,000 students applied to UD in 2023, and this year’s class had the highest test scores and cumulative grade point averages of any class in at least the past five years.

“But more importantly, we chose you for the unbelievable perspectives, talents and skills of each and every one of you,” Assanis said. “You came to the University of Delaware for an outstanding education, and we're going to make sure you get it. Your professors will introduce you to new ideas, open your minds to new perspectives and inspire new ways of thinking about the future. It's going to be challenging, and you're going to work hard, that's for sure. And I want to promise that everyone at UD is here to support you and guide you along your path to success.”

Every student plays an essential role in creating and strengthening the vibrant UD community, Assanis said. He encouraged students to reach out to people from different cultures and belief systems.

“We want our community to reflect the full breadth of the human experience,” he said. “We believe that when everyone has the opportunity to contribute, then we as a community are stronger and more resilient.”

UD Provost Laura Carlson shared the three things she loves most about UD: its academic excellence, strong sense of community, and commitment to making an impact on the state, nation and world. She encouraged students to make the most of their college experience by taking courses that are new, interesting and challenging.

“In politics, health care, education, business, art, technology and so many other fields, our students and alumni are making a critical difference for others. The opportunity to play a role in making that impact — in fact, to help lead that impact — is inspiring,” Carlson said. “Whatever field of study you pursue here, I encourage you to think about how you can make an impact, too. You’re getting an excellent education and have a strong community to support you, and they can help you improve the lives of others and help you build the kind of world we all want to live in.”

Julia Hatoum, UD’s Student Government Association president, discussed the uncertainty and excitement that come with a new beginning. She encouraged the new Blue Hens to make the most of their four years at UD by taking advantage of all that the University has to offer, but to also recognize the contributions that they can make to the UD community.

“Each of you brings a fresh set of unique qualities and perspectives, increasing our diversity of thought and adding tremendous value to our already talented student body,” she said. “Needless to say, the University is privileged to gain a class of such bright and motivated students. So embrace this moment in celebration of not only your accomplishments thus far, but your promising futures that lie ahead, waiting to unfold.”

José-Luis Riera, UD’s vice president for student life, encouraged students to get involved on campus by joining a registered student organization, studying abroad and participating in events at UD.

“As a Blue Hen, you are part of a community that cares about you in your entirety — your multiple identities, your academic success, your wellbeing and your social transition to college,” he said. “I would also like to remind you that as a Blue Hen, you are now joining a legacy of innovators and individuals that have changed history. I am confident that you will uphold that legacy.”

Christian Poller, a first-year student from New Castle, Delaware, has friends who attend UD, so he knew he wanted to be a part of the Blue Hen family, too. He said he was excited to kick off his college career at the Induction Ceremony.

“This is really special because this is the only time we're going to all see each other before graduation,” he said. “The UD community is so warm and welcoming, and I really wanted to be part of a community that is like that — very nurturing. They give back to the students and do a whole bunch of events for students.”

Sam Damaraju, a sports health major from New Jersey, said that starting college can be intimidating because it can feel like you’re alone, but the Induction Ceremony helped to create a sense of belonging.

“Especially after move-in the past a couple of days, it’s nice to finally be able to meet people outside of your dorm,” she said. “It makes you realize how many people have similar goals as you, and you know that all these people are around you and they support you.”

Jacob Perreault, an elementary education major from Connecticut, said his UD experience has been rewarding already, but he’s looking forward to exploring new opportunities, meeting new people and expanding his knowledge. He said seeing the entire Class of 2027 come together was inspiring.

“It's really nice to see our entire class at once — the power we all have,” he said. “It's a really cool moment, just seeing everyone light all our candles and seeing the power behind it and what we can bring to the world.”

The next time the Class of 2027 will gather in such large numbers will be at Commencement in just under four years.

For MacKenzie Bowman, a nursing major from Maryland, the Induction Ceremony served as a reminder to make the most of each moment in a college career.

“It’s special to have this moment, especially right before we all go into classes,” she said. “We all just moved in this weekend, so to get to experience this one big thing as a class before we go our separate ways into our majors is really special.”

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