Commonwealth Honors College Inducts the Class of 2025
By McKenna Premus
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The Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts was buzzing with excitement Friday evening, August 27, as students and their families gathered to celebrate the 2021 Commonwealth Honors College Induction Ceremony. After a long day of moving in and getting settled into their dorms, nearly 700 students were officially welcomed into the Honors College.
Following a performance by the UMass Jazz Quartet, Dean Mari Castañeda and Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy opened the ceremony, extending a warm welcome to the campus community and sharing their excitement for the class of 2025.
“As the world rapidly changes, I am confident that our Honors students will be at the forefront of adapting to the new realities and utilizing this moment as an opportunity to create positive change in their communities,” Castañeda said. “All it takes is an open heart and an open mind, and I know you will all step up to the challenge and engage with bold ideas, explore your most compelling passions, and strive for academic and inclusive excellence.”
Subbaswamy emphasized the importance of community, and the value each student will bring to the university. “You come from 36 different states and 15 countries across the globe, which means each of you brings a unique background and a unique perspective to our community,” Subbaswamy said. “By sharing your experiences and your perspectives, you will expand and enhance our intellectual environment, and I thank you for your contribution.”
Among those who also spoke during the ceremony were Five Colleges Associate Professor Richard Chu, who shared his experiences teaching in the Honors College, and Vice Provost for Enrollment Management James Roche, who lent a parent perspective on the college move-in process.
Chu began with a saying from the Chinese philosopher Laozi: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Chu encouraged students to reach out to faculty for support and resources, as well as offer support to other students. “We live in an interdependent world,” he said. “We need to learn to help one another and to always think of not only of ourselves but also others.”
“Only when we are united and learn to help one another can we truly face the challenges we all face in the journey of our lives,” Chu concluded. “One step at a time, and in community with other people.”
Roche reminded parents to enjoy watching their children grow as they begin their college journey. “College is one of life’s most transformational opportunities,” Roche said. “It’s an opportunity for students to grow and become their own person. We, as parents, get the experience of watching it all happen.”
The final speaker of the evening was Analise Castillo, a senior communication disorders and Spanish double major. Castillo reflected upon her own experiences as an Honors student, and encouraged students to take risks and to step outside of their comfort zones as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.
“Do not disengage once you’re done with classes for the day,” Castillo said. “Instead, seek learning in all facets of your life. Try your best to remain open to new experiences, new places, and new people. Embrace the discomfort, and lean into the vulnerability. Taking these steps can often feel like a challenge, but they will make your time here so much sweeter.”
“College is all about holistic learning, and you’re about to begin,” Castillo concluded. “Your time starts now!”
The induction concluded with the pinning ceremony, during which students fastened Commonwealth Honors College pins, marking their official entry into the college.