At Convocation, Cornwell Urges Students to Seek "Strong Sense of Purpose"

New academic year opens with one of Wooster's largest first-year classes ever

WOOSTER, Ohio, Aug. 31. 2010 – As The College of Wooster opened a new academic year by welcoming one of its largest first-year classes ever, President Grant H. Cornwell urged students to look within themselves and craft a “strong sense of purpose” with regard to their education.

Among those in the audience that filled McGaw Chapel for Convocation today were the newest members of the campus community, the Class of 2014. The 626 new first-year students hail from 38 states and 24 countries, and include 24 high school valedictorians. Multiethnic and international students make up 26 percent of the new class, while 10 percent are the first in their family to attend college.

“There are many routes through Wooster that are already charted for you if you choose to follow them,” Cornwell told them. “Our curriculum asks certain things of you, as do the majors and minors you will choose. But I urge you not to treat these as checklists…Use them to pursue questions, ideas, and topics with significance to you…Your project is to create a way through your liberal education which is wholly your own. This is part of the meaning of independent minds, working together. We want you to take ownership of your liberal education.” (Read full text)

When they arrived on campus last week for orientation, the first-years and their families were welcomed by scores of Wooster volunteers in an event dubbed “Moo-ve In.” Students, faculty, staff, and local alumni answered questions, hauled boxes and refrigerators, provided directions, served ice cream, and even serenaded the newcomers. (See video)

“Every interaction we’ve had with the school has been very warm and has left us with a great feeling,” said Greg Zais, a parent of an incoming student.

The College of Wooster is an independent liberal arts college, nationally recognized for an innovative curriculum that emphasizes mentored, independent research. Each Wooster senior works one-on-one with a faculty adviser to create an original research project, written work, performance or art exhibit. Founded in 1866, the college enrolls approximately 2,000 students.