BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Wesleyan University welcomed its newest cohort of students with the annual week-long Turning Titan tradition, preparing them for campus life ahead of the 2024-25 academic year.
The orientation celebration kicked off on Wednesday, Aug. 21 as more than 500 first-year and transfer students
arrived on campus to move into residence halls. Titan Orientation Leaders and IWU
staff members helped students and families navigate the transition to college life
as boxes and bags were carried into residential spaces, including the freshly remodeled Ames on Main building composed of Munsell and Ferguson halls.
Students spent the rest of the week acclimating to IWU and connecting with other Titans
through presentations, games, a picnic and a carnival. New students joined the tradition
of chalking their goals and dreams on the sidewalk around Aspiration Fountain, the
same spot where IWU staff write the names of every graduating student in the spring.
At the New Student Convocation, Student Senate President Jacob Bickett ‘25 began his remarks by asking members of
the audience to turn and take a selfie with someone in the crowd.
“That picture has captured this moment in time. A moment where you have recently come
to a brand new place. A moment where you might be feeling nervous. A moment where
you are excited about what comes next. No matter what you are feeling, this is the
moment. This is the start of something new,” said Bickett.
He validated the nerves and excitement in the room, reminding new students that whatever
they are feeling, they would not be alone during the orientation process and the start
of the semester. He shared advice that he received as a first-year student — encouraging
new students to join an organization and take advantage of free resources on campus
and in the community.
Bickett also urged incoming students to stay true to themselves, because “there is a great community around you who will appreciate and love what you bring to Illinois Wesleyan.”
Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Karla Carney-Hall brought new students up to speed on some of the traditions on campus, such as the stone pineapple that symbolizes hospitality and new beginnings; the significance of the “do well and do good” quote by former President Minor Myers jr.; the chalking around Aspiration Fountain; and the University motto of “Scientia et Sapienta,” which translates to knowledge and wisdom.
“Knowledge and wisdom will come through engagement with our renowned faculty and with your peers. We boast a tradition of inclusive community. Today you begin a journey of shared experiences that build both individual character and dynamic friendships,” said Carney-Hall, before sharing statistics about the new students, including the Class of 2028.
- New Titans traveled to Bloomington from 24 states plus Washington, D.C., and 18 countries.
- Individuals who self-identify as students of color make up 32% of the incoming class.
- Nearly 30% of the class are first-generation students, while 10% of students have a family member who attended IWU.
- Members of the class are interested in pursuing 35 different academic programs, while 8% haven't yet declared a major.
Among many remarkable student achievements, Carney-Hall noted that the incoming class includes:
- A student who sold art to support abused women in their home country.
- A student who persuaded their town council to reclaim native Monarch butterfly habitats.
- A student who interned at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.
- A student who qualified for the world championship in powerlifting.
- A student who “wants to make momma proud.”