Northeastern’s 2023-24 academic year officially began Wednesday, Sept. 6, as the university’s 125th class was welcomed to the school’s flagship Boston campus at the President’s Convocation at MGM Music Hall.
President Joseph E. Aoun, along with university and student leaders, formally welcomed the class of 2027 and incoming transfer students to campus at the ceremony. Held at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway for the first time, the event celebrated the possibilities the future holds for the university’s 125th class.
Thousands of students entered the venue as Northeastern’s cheer and dance teams welcomed them inside. Paws, the school’s beloved mascot, offered high-fives and thumbs-ups to the first years. The energy was high as students found their seats while screens projected university trivia, alumni advice and images of current global students.
“I’m very excited, I really like the energy that’s here,” said Anthony Campos, a first-year computer science and business administration major who attended the ceremony. “It’s a lot of fun and I like seeing such a variety of people.”
The ceremony was held at 8 p.m. while students at 11 N.U.in locations tuned in via live stream or with pre-recorded messages. Northeastern’s Oakland and London campuses held separate welcome ceremonies.
The 125th class wore t-shirts recognizing the names of the school’s different colleges, as well as light-up bracelets allowing the audience to be included in the show.
The roughly 2,600-member class were among 96,327 fall 2023 applicants who vied for a place at Northeastern during the university’s most competitive admissions season to date. Northeastern admitted roughly 5,300 applicants for a record-low acceptance rate of 5.6%.
The pre-show performances showcased the artistic talents of university students. Dance groups including Kaliente and Kinematix performed, as well as individual students who showcased acrobatic routines and fiddle performances.
The convocation began with the academic procession of faculty, followed by an introduction from each college’s respective dean.
Charlie Zhang, incoming student body president, then welcomed new students with the traditional lighting of the torch. He encouraged them to go into the school year with an open mind and in good spirits.
“As you begin your journey here, don’t fear the challenges — whether adjusting to a rigorous academic curriculum, making new relationships in an unfamiliar environment or managing the demands of living away from home,” Zhang said. “These experiences are doorways to opportunities, growth and leadership. Embrace them, learn from them and let them guide you toward new ways to get involved.”
Aoun took the stage to enthusiastic applause. By encouraging students to explore academic programs and take advantage of global experiences, Aoun highlighted the opportunities Northeastern provides.
“Your journey at Northeastern is not going to be limited to the beautiful campuses you will be part of,” Aoun said. “In fact, the world is too interesting to ignore — it’s worth exploring.”
He emphasized the importance of community and the support that can be gained from relying on each other.
“It is not always easy to explore the world and to explore what Northeastern has to offer. You will have to get out of your comfort zone, and it’s not going to be a linear process,” Aoun said. “Sometimes you will stumble and sometimes you will fall, but the community is here to support you. Your fellow students, the faculty, the staff and the alumni worldwide will be with you, will be there for you [and] will accept you the way you are. They will lift you up — count on them, rely on them.”
The ceremony concluded with a collaborative performance led by the Nor’easters, an acapella group, that included over 100 students from various dance groups. The excitement was palpable as confetti rained down over the 125th class.
For the incoming students, “You will shape the future of this institution,” Aoun said. “This institution is looking at you to guide it into the future — your deeds will make that happen.”
