By Cole Hatcher
When Ohio Wesleyan University junior Autumn Ford welcomed the Class of 2025 and new transfer students during Thursday’s Convocation ceremony, she made a bold prediction.
“By the time you graduate,” Ford told the new Bishops and their families, “you will be astounded at the growth you have made during your four years at OWU.”
A resident of New Albany, Ohio, Ford is the president of WCSA, Ohio Wesleyan’s student government. She is pursuing a double major in Politics and Government and Pre-Law and a minor in Social Justice.
‘Give Yourself Some Grace’
“When you face obstacles during your four years here, take a second, give yourself some grace, and know you are more than capable to overcome whatever comes your way,” said Ford, sharing that she struggled during her first semester to make friends, handle the academic workload, and keep anxiety at bay.
But, Ford said, “no matter the challenge, I kept pushing forward.”
Today, in addition to being the 2021-2022 WCSA president, Ford also is a member of the women’s volleyball team, a resident of the Citizens of the World small living unit, an elected representative of the Politics and Government Student Board, a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, and a recipient of the Dale Bruce Award as one of Ohio Wesleyan’s top 50 student-athletes based on cumulative grade point average.
“If you want to have a college experience like no other, jump out of your comfort zone, and challenge yourself,” Ford concluded. “You will be amazed at what you will accomplish. Class of 2025, your journey begins here. We can’t wait to see the great things you do and the things you will bring to OWU.”
‘An Interesting and Accomplished Group’
Stefanie Niles, Ed.D., vice president of enrollment and communications, officially presented the new class and then shared information about the students to help them get acquainted.
“I imagine you are probably both a bit anxious about the coming days, and eager to start this new chapter of your life,” Niles told the group. “I thought that I might help you mitigate some of that initial apprehension by sharing information about you so you could start to get to know each other. There is no question that – individually and collectively – you are an interesting and accomplished group.”
Niles shared that OWU’s new Bishops include students who:
- Tagged monarch butterflies for the Butterfly Census of Ohio.
- Founded the New York Strong COVID-19 Relief Initiative and Sole Purpose NYC, which provides socks and sneakers to the homeless.
- Wrote and delivered the “Most Moving Poem” at their school’s annual poetry slam.
- Composed a Baroque sonata.
- Earned gold medals in the national science and national knowledge Olympiads, and founded an online science journal.
- Competed in judo at the national level.
- Was crowned Miss Chinese Indonesia 2021.
- Served on a jury for two international children’s film festivals.
- Ranked nationally in esports competitions.
- Competed as a semi-pro gamer.
- Earned a third-degree black belt.
- Qualified for the National Irish Dance Championships.
- Competed as a member of the national water polo team in their home country.
- Competed as a member of the national gymnastics team in their home country.
- Founded BackstageColumbus.com to help connect musicians and listeners through album and concert reviews.
- Earned a bronze medal in state competition in girls wrestling.
- Performed as a vocalist in a rock orchestra.
- Served as the French horn first chair in the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.
‘Impressive Accomplishments’
Niles also shared geographic, academic, and extracurricular information about OWU’s newest students. Those details include:
- OWU’s Class of 2025 and new transfer students represent 32 states and 15 countries, excluding the United States.
- 93 are members of the National Honor Society.
- 269 participated in varsity sports, including 110 team captains and 57 All-Star, All-State, or All-Region players.
- 44 took part in theatre, with 10 playing a lead role or serving as a production director.
- 36 were involved in marching band, and 84 participated in concert band, orchestra, or choir.
- Eight were editors of a literary magazine, five were editors of their school newspaper, and four were editors of their yearbook.
- Six are Eagle Scouts, and nine have earned Girls Scout Gold or Silver Awards.
- 25 served in leadership roles in high school student government, including 11 student body or class presidents and 30 club presidents.
- 11 participated in Model United Nations, and 15 were members of a debate or speech team.
- 50 were involved in a religiously affiliated organization.
- 28 were involved in a diversity club or organization.
- 122 held a job in high school and nearly half chose to volunteer time in service to others.
“The list of impressive accomplishments goes on and on,” Niles said. “You bring many interests, achievements and accolades to Ohio Wesleyan, and our community will be better for your enthusiasm and aspirations. You all have the potential to excel here, and every member of the community looks forward to helping you discover and achieve your goals.”
‘It is the Magic’
Like student Autumn Ford, Ohio Wesleyan President Rock Jones, Ph.D., also encouraged OWU’s new students to be open to new ideas and experiences.
“You will be challenged to consider the most complex issues,” Jones said. “By design, some of those questions will be uncomfortable, maybe even disorienting. But that is what education is all about – leaving your comfort zone, asking hard questions, and listening to diverse viewpoints, always with respect for others in the conversation.
“It is the magic of inquiry and discovery,” he said. “It is the magic of learning that happens on this campus. And it is the magic that can change your life.”
Photo: Ohio Wesleyan held its 180th annual Convocation ceremony today, welcoming new first-year and transfer students to the university. The group represents 32 states and 15 countries, excluding the United States. (Photo by Mark Schmitter ’12)
