Video by Andrew Bilindabagabo

Members of Franklin & Marshall College’s Class of 2028 gathered for the first time as a cohort at Convocation Aug. 23.

The time-honored event signifies not only the start of the first-year’s F&M journeys, but also the beginning of the academic year. 

Families, faculty and professional staff gathered outside the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center to applaud the 486 first-year and transfer students proceeding toward the ceremony, which focused on the concept of “belonging.” 

“I urge you to express yourselves, and also to allow others to express themselves. I urge you to do a lot of listening,” President Barbara Altmann said to the incoming class. 

“If you disagree with an idea, probe it with intellectual curiosity, ask good questions and think through the issues for yourself. We can and will respect and make room for one another across difference. You can and will connect through difference,” she added.

Senior Michael Vasquez, president of Diplomatic Congress and the student body, encouraged students to consider the meaning of belonging.

“The core of belonging is being brave enough to be yourself and being willing to embrace others as they are. And working together, not against, working to understand, not divide,” said Vasquez, an American studies and sociology major. 

Vasquez shared the stage with 2024 recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award Scott Smith, professor of anthropology and program chair of Latin American and LatinX studies.

“The community of learners that you join today stretches beyond the boundaries of this campus, in both space and time,” Smith said.  

Watch the recorded ceremony

F&M faculty and students lead the procession into Convocation. (Photo by Deb Grove)

International students from the Class of 2028 gather at their F&M Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)

2024 recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award Scott Smith, professor of anthropology and program chair of Latin American and LatinX studies. (Photo by Deb Grove)

Members of the Class of 2028 gather at their F&M Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)

F&M senior Michael Vasquez, president of Diplomatic Congress and the student body. (Photo by Deb Grove)

F&M President Barbara Altmann addresses the Class of 2028. (Photo by Deb Grove)

Mckenzie Golden '25 conducts the F&M Convocation brass ensemble. (Photo by Deb Grove)

International students from the Class of 2028 gather at their F&M Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)

Students and families share hugs at the Class of 2028 Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)

Students and families share hugs at the Class of 2028 Convocation ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)

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Class of 2028 at a Glance

• 486 enrolled
• 28% admit rate
• 26 states represented
• 27 countries represented
• 17% international
• 16% first-generation college students
• 26% domestic students of color
• 18% PELL grant eligible

Meet the incoming class