Hampden-Sydney College welcomes a remarkable new group of young men into the brotherhood as the 2021-22 academic year commences.
With 25 rings at the Watkins Bell Tower, bittersweet goodbyes to families, and the signing of the Honor Code, Hampden-Sydney College welcomes a remarkable group of young men into the brotherhood.
In a welcome ceremony on August 19 for new students and parents on Venable Lawn, President Stimpert offered words of advice and extolled the values of Hampden-Sydney men. “What I want more than anything is for you to make the most of these next four years. Your time here will go very quickly, so the main thing I’m asking today is that every one of you makes a plan,” he said. President Stimpert encouraged the newest Tigers to explore their interests, engage with professors and alumni, and focus on developing their talents and strengthening their weaknesses. He added, “You can and should revise your plan many times in the weeks and months ahead, but it is important to have a plan for how you will make the most of these four years.”
Dean of Admission Jason Ferguson ’96 emphasized the strength of the brotherhood these young men are joining. “No matter what your background is, what talents you have, or even what major league baseball team you root for, you are all part of one brotherhood,” he said.
Ask yourselves each day: Am I being curious? Am I acknowledging my mistakes? Am I thinking of the other guy? Practice this checklist, and when your time comes, be a good man. Be a good citizen.
Scott Pittman ’22, Student Body President
“This is a college unlike any other in the country,” Student Body President Scott Pittman ’22 told the gathered freshmen and transfer students. Pittman encouraged the students to reflect on the meaning of the College’s mission and emphasized three qualities that, in his mind, are the most important for good men and good citizens: curiosity, humility, and empathy. “So as you leave home today and begin your journey as a Hampden-Sydney man, here is a little checklist to ask yourselves each day: Am I being curious? Am I acknowledging my mistakes? Am I thinking of the other guy? Practice this checklist, and when your time comes, be a good man. Be a good citizen.”
Dean of the Faculty Walter McDermott stressed that students will be challenged in the classroom, and that their professors are ready to encourage and guide them to new heights of knowledge. Interim Dean of Students Richard Pantele ’13 closed out the ceremony by reminding students that they are not only brothers, but also their brothers’ keepers: “That is to say that each of you shoulders the responsibility for supporting and looking out for one another—for making each person on this campus feel as if Hampden-Sydney is their home away from home.”
The Class of 2025 closed out their first weekend on the Hill with a welcome dinner on Sunday at Middlecourt hosted by President and Mrs. Stimpert. A night of good food and brotherhood brought a fitting end to the orientation festivities, but fortunately, the journey is just beginning. The real work began on Monday, August 23, with classes marking the official start of the 2021-22 academic year.
With 25 rings at the Watkins Bell Tower, bittersweet goodbyes to families, and the signing of the Honor Code, Hampden-Sydney College welcomes a remarkable group of young men into the brotherhood.
