The University of Michigan formally welcomed the Class of 2029 on Aug. 24 at the annual New Student Convocation in Crisler Center, where university leaders, faculty and student representatives urged incoming Wolverines to embrace the opportunities of a U-M education.

More than 7,000 first-year and transfer students filled the arena. The program opened with a processional performed by the University of Michigan Ensemble and the “Star Spangled Banner” sung by Lilly Hunwick, a junior in the School of Music Theatre & Dance.

President Domenico Grasso acknowledged the mix of excitement and anxiety the new students may be feeling, recalling his own start at college. “I was petrified. Absolutely petrified,” he said.

“I was the proverbial deer in headlights. I was also the first person in my family to attend college, and I didn’t want to disappoint my family. But I found my way. I made new friends, came to know my professors, and truly enjoyed the experience of learning. I was in a new world that was challenging and fascinating, and I loved it.”

“So, if you are feeling a little anxious or uncertain about what’s ahead, you’re not alone. It’s very normal. You’re bright and talented, and you will do well. That’s why we admitted you and wanted you to be part of our community,” Grasso said.

Grasso also highlighted the many resources the students would have access to at U-M, from world-class professors and libraries to museums and cutting-edge technology — but cautioned them about the role of artificial intelligence. 

“AI is not perfect, at least not yet,” he said. “Never forget that AI is a tool, and tools can sometimes be misused.”

“Its most important use is in helping us to learn. AI is best when it is enhancing human learning. And at Michigan, AI is increasingly at the center of ‘HL’ — human learning,” said Grasso as he opened his robe to reveal a t-shirt that said “HAIL.”

“Your brain is the most important tool. At Michigan, we hail human intellect, diversity of thought, and academic integrity. No app can replace that.”

As an example of how U-M will help shape the new students over the next few years, Grasso pointed to U-M alum Raoul Wallenberg. The Swedish-born architecture student became a legendary humanitarian during World War II, rescuing thousands from Nazi death camps.

“Wallenberg absolutely loved being a Michigan student,” Grasso said, then quoted Wallenberg’s own words upon his graduation: “I feel so at home in my little Ann Arbor that I am beginning to sink roots here and have a hard time imagining my leaving it.”

“We want you to have the same experience,” Grasso told the Class of 2029. “Ann Arbor and U-M will become a home you won’t want to leave. But if we’ve done our jobs as professors and campus leaders, you will graduate prepared to change the world in unimaginable ways. And we will hail your achievements.”

The purpose of college

Provost Laurie McCauley also highlighted the opportunities students would have at U-M and challenged them to consider the purpose of higher education. 

Introducing the university’s Look to Michigan theme Year of Life-Changing Education, McCauley asked the students if they’d come to U-M to broaden their worldview, serve society, find personal growth, or gain professional skills. Her answer: It can be all of the above.

“So the next time somebody asks you what you’re doing in college, you can look them in the eye and tell them, ‘All of it. I don’t subscribe to false tetrachotomies. I’m making friends, becoming an intellectual powerhouse, making the world a better place, and becoming who I truly want to be. I’m getting a life-changing education.’”

McCauley also highlighted the university’s launch of “Talking Maize and Blue,” a new program designed to foster civil discourse across diverse perspectives.

Praise for a job well done — and yet to be done

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Adele Brumfield praised the Class of 2029’s resilience in navigating a global pandemic and societal shifts during their formative years.

“That resilience, adaptability and courage will serve you well here,” she said.

She also congratulated them on earning a spot at U-M. “The admissions team saw something outstanding in each of you, and that’s why you’re here,” she said. 

“Out of more than 115,000 applicants, you stood out. That is no accident. It is the result of years of dedication, grit and believing in your potential.”

Vice President for Student Life Martino Harmon, borrowing from both French philosopher Voltaire and Peter Parker’s (a.k.a. Spider-Man’s) Uncle Ben, urged students to see knowledge as a “superpower” that brings with it great responsibility. 

“Students, we have big expectations of what you will do with your growing superpower and super responsibility,” he said.

“We expect you to give back — to enrich our campus community. You can contribute in a thousand different ways: with your ideas, your enthusiasm, your service to others, and your drive to leave things better than you found them.”

Honest advice from student leadership

Central Student Government President Eric Veal Jr. brought some humor and candor to the podium, sharing his own journey from nervous first-year student to student body leader.

“You’re going to fail,” Veal told the new class.

“I’m not saying fail your classes, though some of you might. But the rest of you — you’ll get lost on your way to class. You’ll join a club and then ghost them after two meetings. Personally, I ghosted after one. You’ll misjudge how far North Campus is. Spoiler alert: It is always farther than you think. But that’s not failure; that’s growth. And it’s exactly what you are supposed to be doing.”

He encouraged students to embrace uncertainty, take risks, and say yes to new experiences.

“College is a place where trying new things is the entire point. You don’t need a perfect plan. You need curiosity. Openness. And a little courage,” he said. 

As the conclusion of the convocation, Grasso invited students to sing along with the alma mater, “The Yellow and Blue,” and the U-M fight song, “The Victors.”

“It’s important to note that ‘The Victors’ was written by an undergraduate student,” he said. “That’s the kind of impact you can make.”

The program also included performances by Amazin’ Blue, U-M’s all-gender a cappella group, and U-M’s Fanfare Band, who played “The Yellow and Blue” and “The Victors.”

After the convocation, new students were invited to a tailgate at the Postma Clubhouse at U-M’s Golf Course, across the street from Crisler Center.