KEUKA PARK, N.Y.—Keuka College formally kicked off the academic year for its newest students during the annual Academic Convocation on Friday, Aug. 22, in Norton Chapel.
The event, a longstanding Keuka College tradition, brought together students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and community members to affirm the College’s values and celebrate the promise of a new academic year. Each of the approximately 330 new students received an acorn pin symbolizing their potential and its connection to the words on the College’s seal: E Glande Qvercvm Edvcimvs – “from an acorn, the oak.”
“For 135 years, the acorn has symbolized Keuka College’s commitment to growth, potential, and enduring strength,” said College President Amy Storey. “It embodies the belief that, just as a small acorn holds the promise of becoming a mighty oak, every Keuka College student carries within them the capacity to achieve great things – with the right nurturing and support.”
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Klaudia Lorinczova, Professor of Education and the College’s 2025 Professor of the Year. Drawing on her global background and passion for language, Dr. Lorinczova encouraged students to embrace challenges, adapt to change, and see life’s detours as “peak character development” opportunities.
Dr. Klaudia Lorinczova, Professor of Education and the College’s 2025 Professor of the Year, drew big laughs by translating Gen Z slang for the faculty.
She also served up amusing snatches of Gen Z vernacular, which she then translated for faculty.
“In the next few weeks,” she told students, “you’ll test out whether leaving your family and coming to this campus was a sigma move (faculty, that means ‘a good decision’) or Ohio (faculty, that means ‘a bad or cringe move’). You may experience things that are sus or big yikes before you slay. (Faculty, that means: ‘challenges may come before success.’)”
Student Senate President Jasmine Downs ’26 offered new students three pieces of advice: Say yes to opportunities, ask for help, and practice self-care to avoid burnout.
Student leaders Jasmine Downs ’26, president of Student Senate, and sophomore Gianna Spartano, a criminal justice major and winner of the 2025 Emerging Wolf Award, also offered advice and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community, and self-discovery.
Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Twyla J. Cummings reminded students of the lifelong friendships and personal growth they would experience: “Incoming class, may your time at Keuka College be marked by discovery, growth, and unforgettable experiences.”
Students also heard opening and closing remarks from Chaplain Eric Detar and affirmed their commitment to the “The Way of the Wolf,” an agreement grounded in the College’s values, as part of their welcome.
“Today, you are being formally welcomed into this very special family. You belong here, you matter here, and we’re happy you’re with us.”
Academic Convocation concluded a week of orientation events for new students, including group dinners, social activities, informational sessions, and academic advising. Many said the information and interaction went a long way toward increasing their comfort levels.
“I was definitely nervous to begin with, because I didn’t know anybody,” said Education major Connor Cummings of Shortsville, N.Y. “As the week went on, I got more comfortable; I learned to grow as a person and meet new friends.”
Molly Hart of Fairport, N.Y., likewise said familiarizing herself with classmates, classrooms, and College resources prepared her to begin the semester.
“I was very nervous the first day,” said the Education major. “Now, I’m much more excited.”
