ALLIANCE, Ohio — The University of Mount Union campus once again hummed with excitement on Friday, August 22, as the institution officially welcomed the Class of 2029 during the annual Matriculation Convocation. An incredible 712 students were moved in by their families and current Mount Union students and staff, ready for their collegiate journeys.

Following the move into their new residences, the students began the academic year with a ceremony held in the Timken Gymnasium of the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex, located down the hall from the Peterson Field House where those same students will receive their degrees four years from now. 

Dr. Bill Cunion, vice president for academic affairs, began by welcoming the new students and reiterating the mission of Mount Union and how it will help guide their respective academic careers.

Mount Union President Greg King followed Cunion by encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them on campus, both in and outside of the classroom, and to learn from the supportive community of the University.

“As you begin your college journey, I hope you will see, in the varied backgrounds and experiences of your classmates and in the diverse people who work at the University, a great opportunity to learn about and learn from people who are different from you,” King said. “Recognize that they have important goals and dreams, and those have great value. Let us work together to make all welcome and fully respected in our learning community.”

Mount Union’s 2025 Great Teacher, Dr. Gerald Wuchter, professor of mathematics, discussed how college offers an infinite number of possibilities for students based what they put into the experience.

“There are very few moments in one’s life where the future truly holds infinitely many possibilities.  You are at one of those moments right now,” Wuchter said. “Your path forward will contain infinitely many twists and turns and opportunities.”

Following Wuchter, student speakers Michael Cline, a senior art major from Twinsburg, Chay Johns, a senior nuring major from Wilmington, Ohio and Robert Arms, a senior accounting major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, shared some advice of their own on navigating Mount Union.

“The truth is, your time here isn’t just about sitting in class. It’s about using what you learn as stepping stones toward something bigger,” Cline said. “Hopefully, you're dreaming as big as you can. Because Mount Union will get you there.”

“Mount Union isn’t just a campus. It’s a launchpad into the next chapter, with the core values of belonging, excellence, and integrity,” Johns said. “This is now your home away from home. We are thrilled to have you and are absolutely confident you will do great things. You have a whole campus rooting for you.”

“Impact is not always loud or crowded. Sometimes, the most meaningful influence comes from the experiences we’ve already had, even the ones that might feel small,” Arms said.

At the conclusion of Arms’ comments, the students and faculty recited their respective Matriculation pledges. Cunion then took the stage to discuss the importance of the Matriculation Convocation and conclude the ceremony. After learning about the significance of the ceremony, students had an opportunity to sign the Matriculation Book.

Signing the book is a pledge that students will dedicate their efforts and talents to excellence in liberal learning and career preparation. The book, which remains in the care of the Office of the President until graduation, will be on display in the University Store during graduation week in 2029 for students to see.