Soon after you've arrived on campus, you'll be officially accepted into the Quinnipiac community during a ceremony, and you'll wear a gown similar to those worn at graduation. This Freshman Induction Ceremony introduces you to your new life and encourages you to make the most of Quinnipiac.

Kevin Basmadjian, assistant professor of education, delivered the faculty address at the 2009 ceremony. He urged freshmen to "put down your stakes and test your commitments," echoing themes from President Barack Obama's memoir, "Dreams From My Father." Basmadjian encouraged students to seek opportunities to learn both in and out of the classroom and to consider what it means to live in an intellectual community.

"Act and speak with courage, compassion, and commitment, and don't allow others to distract or discourage you. Find the confidence in yourself to disagree with others, to read widely and deeply, to drink coffee with your professors as you share ideas about our world and future. Ask more questions, attend more lectures, meet more people unlike you, develop new interests, challenge knowledge, act and speak with courage, compassion, and commitment," he said.

President John Lahey spoke about the University's three core values: high-quality academic programs, a student-oriented environment and a strong sense of community. "We're proud of our diversity here. We celebrate it. We're respectful of your individuality."

Junior Louis Venturelli, president of the Student Government Association and a political science major, encouraged freshmen to take advantage of opportunities at Quinnipiac and leave their mark. "Dream big, and give everything your best. Life is a gift, so use your spare time to achieve something for the greater good," he said.

"Go out and join some of our countless organizations that make such a great impact on our community. Take courses that you never thought you would take before. Study abroad. Give everything your best," Venturelli said.

View a YouTube video about the Freshman Induction Ceremony and Move-In