Convocation 2016: An Inspirational Welcome to Hunter

In Assembly Hall on September 14, beneath floating balloons of purple and gold, incoming first-year and transfer students got an exciting look at their new school.

They heard first from President Jennifer J. Raab, who noted that the members of Hunter’s diverse incoming group represent more than 60 countries and speak more than 40 languages. President Raab further observed that these new students include high school valedictorians and salutatorians, an author who’s written six novels, and an artist whose work is displayed at the Met. She pointed out that while most new arrivals are straight out of high school, others are older, some have children of their own, and – like thousands of students in Hunter’s past – many today are the first in their families to attend college.

Students were also advised that as they adopt Hunter’s motto, Mihi Cura Futuri (The Care of the Future is Mine), the faculty, advisors and administrators have their own words to live by:  The Care of Your Future is Ours.

Many of those who serve students so well were there onstage, standing one by one to be introduced. The program also featured Professor Jill Bargonetti, a leading cancer researcher who applies dance techniques to teaching genomics. Speaking of the joys of that interdisciplinary approach to learning, she invited all students – including those with no scientific aspirations – to visit her lab in the new Belfer Building.

Eliciting an especially enthusiastic response were the recent grads and current student leaders who shared their stories of overcoming challenges and making the most of their college education.

“I failed the first test I took,” admitted Sarah Soo-Hoo ’16 as she recalled her unpromising introduction to college-level chemistry. But her chem professor reached out, urging her to take full advantage of faculty office hours, and as a result, she not only aced future tests but was soon conducting research in a Hunter lab. She’s now in her first year of med school at Columbia University.

“You have to pursue success,” advised the future physician.

Click here to view photos from Hunter's 2016 Convocation and Street Fair