Members of the Franklin & Marshall College Class of 2029 took their first steps as Diplomats at Convocation Aug. 21.

The time-honored event signifies the beginning of the College’s academic year. 

Faculty and professional staff joined student families outside the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center to applaud the 515 first-year and transfer students proceeding toward the ceremony.

“You’re in for a life-changing experience at an extraordinary place,” said F&M President Andy Rich, who arrived on campus in July as the College’s 17th president.

“You’re in for a life-changing experience at an extraordinary place.”

– F&M President Andy Rich

Rich emphasized one piece of advice: “As you begin at F&M, be open to connecting with others.”

“If you keep an open mind and trust yourself – and trust us – along the way, you will find fellowship, fun and fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams,” he said. 

Delivering an academic charge for the Class of 2029, Provost and Dean of the Faculty Sunita Gupta Kramer '92 advised students: “Be Diplomats with the courage to learn, to lead and to belong: to each other, to this community and to the world beyond.”

Kramer shared the stage with 2024 recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award Scott Lerner, Arthur and Katherine Shadek Professor of Humanities and French and Italian. 

“Give time to time in order to learn how to learn, and learn what you love,” Lerner said. 

Caroline Riegel ’26, president of Diplomatic Congress and the student body, encouraged students to chart their paths with confidence. 

“You belong here,” said Riegel, a mathematics major.

“You were chosen to be part of this community because you offer something no one else can,” she said. “When you bring your perspective, your passions, your personality, it's not just welcome here. It's needed.”

Watch the recorded ceremony

Class of 2029 at a Glance

• 515 enrolled (493 first-year, 22 transfer)
• 32% admit rate
• 26 states represented
• 33 countries represented
• 26% international
• 16% first-generation college students
• 25% domestic students of color
• 15% PELL grant eligible

Meet the Incoming Class