Walking into Bryant University’s Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center for Convocation, first-year students — already repping their Bryant gear and chatting with peers — were greeted by sunny September weather, tunes from the Bryant Athletic Bands, and cheers from the university’s Cheer and Dance Teams.
Convocation is one of the university’s oldest and most important academic traditions and “is a time to celebrate the beginning of the academic year as we embark on a journey of learning, exploration, reflection, and growth,” noted Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., once students gathered in the MAC.
Following Fr. Joseph Pescatello’s invocation and Kevin Quarshie ’28’s rendition of the national anthem, Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., took to the podium to welcome the Class of 2030 to campus and expressed his optimism and hope for the future as he looked out at the packed room.
“You are an academically accomplished group of students who bring to Bryant the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that will enrich each other and our community,” said Gittell. “Each of you offers something unique, and we see your potential to contribute to our community in many ways and accomplish remarkable things.”
With two days of classes already under first-years’ belts, Gittell urged the newly minted undergrads to be attentive, read carefully, and spend time with ideas that challenge them as they further their studies.
“In a world that moves quickly, the ability to focus deeply and think clearly will set you apart,” Gittell said.
Introducing herself to the new class, Vice President for Enrollment Management Michelle Cloutier ’05MBA shared that she, alongside her colleagues, had the privilege of reading first-year students' college applications.
“We read about your accomplishments. We read about your dreams. We read about moments where you succeeded and moments where you struggled. Most importantly, we saw evidence of your resilience, your curiosity, compassion, and courage. These are precisely the qualities that convinced us that you belong here,” said Cloutier, noting that this class was selected from more than 10,000 applicants.
Cloutier added that the Class of 2030 represents 27 U.S. states and 24 countries; collectively speaks 41 languages and dialects; is made up of 25 percent first-generation students; and has 150 individuals joining Bryant’s Division I athletic teams.
“Over the next four years, you will challenge one another in the classroom, collaborate on ambitious ideas, compete on fields and courts, serve communities, build lifelong friendships, and discover strengths you might not yet realize you possess,” Cloutier said. “Each one you arrive with your own unique story. Together, you will write the next chapter of Bryant University.”
Associate Professor of Marketing Eun Kang, Ph.D., noted that it’s normal to feel both excited and uncertain in this new chapter. She drew upon her own college experience and how there were times she felt lost.
“I learned that being lost was not a sign that I was failing. It meant that I was learning and beginning to find my way,” said Kang. “In the process, I made lots of changes: I changed majors; I made a lot of mistakes; I struggled through things that seemed enormous at the time. Some worked out, some didn't.”
She emphasized the importance of leaning on professors, advisors, and friends as students discover their paths.
“You do not have to figure everything out on your own,” Kang said. “Be proactive and ask for help.”
Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs and dean of students, was joined by Bryant Student Government President Jordan Brazeau ’27 and Student Alumni Association e-board member William Hughes ’27 for the recitation of the Bryant Pledge. This verbal contract expressed Bryant’s commitment to students and students’ promise to the university and was followed by words of advice from Student Government Vice President Victoria Sousa ’27, ’28MBA.
Sousa, a Wilson Leadership Fellow who co-owns a marketing agency housed within Bryant’s Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center, stressed the importance of undergrads leaning into their passions during their time at the university.
“Go discover what you wish to spend your life doing and start doing it,” she said.
Sousa suggested having a plan for their future but to intentionally leave room for curiosity. Additionally, it’s okay to not finish what you start.
“Don't force something that is not working. Throughout our lives, we're often told to never give up, and that is a legitimate piece of advice, but only when applied to the right things,” Sousa said. “Too many times we are told to say yes to every opportunity. But keep in mind that by saying yes to something, we are indirectly saying no to something else.”
Offering final words of advice as he brought the ceremony to a close, Paliwal reminded students to ask questions, learn from others, and to push themselves outside their comfort zones.
“Show up, engage deeply, and bring your curiosity,” he said.