Students Welcomed to Campus During Turning Titan

Aug. 29, 2023

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Bringing a fresh wave of perspective and talent, about 500 first-year and transfer students were welcomed to Illinois Wesleyan University over the last week through the annual tradition known as Turning Titan. 

Starting Wednesday, Aug. 23, IWU’s newest Titans moved into residential spaces, including the newly renovated Munsell Hall ; met with Titan Orientation Leaders; chalked their dreams around Aspiration Fountain; and enjoyed meals, activities and celebrations across campus .

During the New Student Convocation, IWU President Georgia Nugent encouraged the students gathered in Young Main Lounge to consider the three branches of philosophy — ontology (what is), epistemology (how do we know) and ethics (then, what should we do)  — and how those themes apply to the college experience.

“One of the most important things you can take away from your Illinois Wesleyan education will be learning how to evaluate information or misinformation that now bombards us through every medium at every hour of the day,” she said. “Making reason-based arguments about the information you receive is one of the most important skills of an educated person. Make it a priority to focus on that all-important skill.”

Nugent addressed the continuation of last year’s intellectual theme of The Power of Place for the 2023-24 academic year, celebrating Illinois Wesleyan as a place that allows students to take stock of their talents, passions and abilities. 

“This is a place to consider how to live in a way that’s true to yourself and responsible to others. We’re thrilled to have you here for that adventure — welcome,” she concluded.

Student Senate President Zach Burhans '24 reminded the new Titans that their time as college students will pass quickly. He asked the crowd to visualize themselves in their final year at IWU, and to think of the future they are cultivating today. 

“We all come from different backgrounds and we all have different experiences, but the best part is they have brought us all here to a community that champions students and gives us the opportunity to develop into people we truly want to be,” said Burhans.

Provost and Dean of Faculty Mark Brodl gave students permission to start a new chapter as they begin at IWU, whether through academic experiences, internships, studying abroad or research. 

“Take advantage of this moment in your lives to go ahead and reinvent yourself. We offer so many amazing opportunities at this University,” said Brodl.  

Professor of Theatre Arts Curtis Trout built on that advice during his remarks as the 2024 recipient of the Kemp Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence . 

In his address titled “Where We Are Now,” Trout spoke about the evolution of theatre and entertainment and his own experiences as a first-generation student. He reminded students that the path toward graduation and a career might take some unexpected turns, but that the Illinois Wesleyan community is here to provide support and guidance. 

“Sitting in this crowd are people that will be, unbeknownst to you, a part of your life for the rest of your life,” said Trout. “Be ready to meet them. They are here with you right now — where we are now.”

Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Karla Carney-Hall also welcomed the convocation audience and shared some statistics about the new students, including the Class of 2027:

• New Titans traveled to Bloomington from 24 states, plus Washington, D.C., and 19 countries.
• Individuals who self-identify as students of color make up 31% of the incoming class.
• The class includes 168 first-generation students along with more than 50 Titans who had a close family member or relative attend Illinois Wesleyan.
• Members of the class are interested in pursuing 35 different academic programs, while 8% haven't yet declared a major.

Carney-Hall added that, among many notable student accomplishments, the incoming class consists of:

• An Eagle Scout.
• Someone who started their own clothing company — Encouraging Success through Social Anxiety (ESSA).
• Someone who created a mental health club at their high school.
• Someone who created an app that helps locate fire hydrants hidden underground in Kazakhstan.
• A semifinalist in the World Championship and first place winner in the Midwest for the FIRST Robotics Competition.

“You join us today as individuals, each with a unique set of experiences that have shaped who you are,” said Carney-Hall. “Each with thoughtful goals for what you hope your college career at IWU will bring. Each with a deep desire to build lasting relationships and a strong community of mentors and friends. Today you begin a journey of shared experiences that build both individual character and community.” 

Before concluding the week with a carnival and picnic on the Eckley Quad, Titans also met with IWU faculty and staff to discuss the various short stories, poetry, music and art that was highlighted in the campus Summer Reading Program, all of which related to the Power of Place or the importance of the liberal arts. Students were invited to write an essay based on the summer reading material, with Emma Kudelka '27 winning first place in the contest and Emily Armstrong '27 earning honorable mention.

By Julia Perez