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Listen: First Collection and New Student Orientation 2017

The journey is underway for the Class of 2021, which arrived on campus last week and participated in several Swarthmore traditions, including the First Community Gathering and First Collection. During that first week on campus, the new class also took time to unwind with games on Parrish Beach, explored numerous academic paths at the annual academic advising fair, and received free plants from the Scott Arboretum.

On the first day of orientation, community leaders, including President Valerie Smith, welcomed the Class of 2021 and reflected on how engaging in community transforms and deepens one's sense of self. Last night, new students enjoyed First Collection, a long-standing tradition held in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater that marks the official beginning of every student's experience. At that event, students share insights, pass the light of their candle to each other, and sing the alma mater.

 

Four students post together holding lit candles

First Collection for the Class of 2021.

Several rows of people holding candles light up the night in the Scott Amphitheater

First Collection for the Class of 2021.

Two students lit by candle light look down at a piece of paper together

First Collection for the Class of 2021.

Three students sit together holding lit candles

First Collection for the Class of 2021.

Three students take a selfie together while holding candles outside at night

New students take a selfie during First Collection for the Class of 2021.

A student looks down and smiles at the candle he is holding

First Collection for the Class of 2021.

One student stares at the camera as he sits with three friends holding candles

First Collection for the Class of 2021.

Students help carry bags of a new student on move in day

Students help on Move-in Day for the Class of 2021.

Students try to catch the pieces of a giant Jenga game as it collapses

Fun and games on Parrish Beach for the Class of 2021.

President Valerie Smith talks to a student and his family in his dorm room on move in day

President Valerie Smith talks to a student and his family in his new room on Move-In Day.

A student creates a giant bubble using a wand on Parrish Beach

Fun and games on Parrish Beach during New Student Orientation.

Students talk to advisors at the advising fair

The annual new student academic advising fair.

A student leans in to listen to a professor speak to her during the academic advising fair

The annual new student academic advising fair.

Student shovel dirt into planters at the annual plant giveaway

New students receive plants at the annual Scott Arboretum Plant Giveaway.

Two students look at their plants during the plant giveaway

New students receive plants at the annual Scott Arboretum Plant Giveaway.

Students in the Class of 2021 stand in a field in the formation of their class year

Class photo by Simona Dwass '19.

First Collection for the Class of 2021.

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First Gathering 2017: President Valerie Smith

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First Gathering 2017: Luis Ceballos '18

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First Gathering 2017: Emily Anne Nolte Jacobstein '07

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First Gathering 2017: Associate Professor of Classics & Philosophy Grace Ledbetter

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Welcome Swarthmore Class of 2021!

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