A university education is recognized as a transformative experience. Most of a student's changes are expected to happen slowly over the course of four years. Sunday evening, August 24 saw one of the rarer instant transformations, as University of Vermont’s Class of 2029–whose members hail from 48 states, including over 560 Vermonters– pledged their commitment to UVM’s Our Common Ground values, and were formally declared the newest members of the UVM community.
For over a decade, the Our Common Ground values of respect, integrity, innovation, openness, justice, and responsibility have been recognized as the ethical underpinning of the university, fostering and guiding an environment of individual discovery that maximizes the development of every community member’s potential.
The Class of ’29 first gathered on the Andrew Harris Commons–the sweeping lawn between the Howe Memorial Library and the Davis Center–for the Convocation Ceremony. Professor of History and Faculty Senate President Abigail McGowan greeted the class, and reminded them of the importance of the Our Common Ground values in the life of the university.
“At UVM we are dedicated to the success of each and every one of you. We are all responsible for creating and maintaining an environment of learning and discovery for supporting a community of people with varied backgrounds….We care about one another we respect our differences, and we embrace the free and open exchange of ideas,” McGowan said. “We are asking you tonight to make a commitment to be kind and always live by the values expressed in our common ground.”
Student Government Association President Kennedy Connors ’27 next recalled her introduction to the UVM community two years ago, and the potential for personal growth she found at UVM. “I sat in the audience where you are today,” Connors said. “And I remember feeling overwhelmed about how to make the most of the next four years.”
“This university has a long history of making the world a better place. And now it's your community–it's yours, and in this community, people care about you and your success.”
UVM President Marlene Tromp
Connors urged the new students to be guided by their curiosity in every way possible. “This is a new beginning for all of you. Learn who you are and who you want to be. Strive to be the best, kindest version of yourself. Discover the path that is right for you, and focus on creating a positive impact.”
UVM’s 28th president, Marlene Tromp, who began her tenure this summer, next addressed the students, first doing a quick informal crowd-based survey of their favorite creemee flavor–a frequent topic for those orienting themselves to life in Vermont. (An observer’s unscientific examination of the audience reaction found “maple” to be the favorite.) Tromp then switched to a more serious recognition of the power of a university education.
“We are in an extraordinary moment in our history, and you are in an extraordinary moment of your life,” Tromp said. “We're here on the university green joined by our faculty and staff to welcome you to the UVM community and to officially induct you as our newest students, as scholars, as bright minds that will go forward and change the world.”
“This university has a long history of making the world a better place,” Tromp said. “And now it's your community–it's yours, and in this community, people care about you and your success.”
Soon after, the Class of ’29 members marched from the Harris Commons to the University Green, passing through cheering crowds of other UVM students from classes ahead of them. On the Green, led by Dr. Tromp, they lit individual candles and, holding them high in the gathering twilight, pledged their commitment to the Our Common Ground values. And, with a united cheer of “I do!,” instantly became rare creatures–Catamounts all.
