Keuka College marked the official start of the 2026-27 academic year on Friday, Aug. 21, with its annual Academic Convocation in Norton Chapel. The ceremony brought the campus community together to celebrate the beginning of the students’ academic journey and featured a keynote address from 2026 Professor of the Year Gylla MacGregor.
Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Twyla J. Cummings challenged students to take full advantage of the many opportunities at Keuka College. “Challenge yourself academically,” she said. “Ask questions. Get involved. Attend events. Explore new interests.”
The ceremony capped New Student Orientation, several days of programs and activities designed to introduce the Class of 2030 and new transfer students to their academic home for the next four years.
Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Twyla J. Cummings welcomed the newest members of the College, encouraging them to take full advantage of the College’s academic, extracurricular, and experiential learning opportunities.
“Today is more than the start of a new academic year,” Dr. Cummings told the students. “It is the beginning of a journey that will challenge you, shape you, and prepare you for opportunities you may not yet imagine.”
Student Senate President Gabriella Hall ’27 advised students to remain present by going to class, participating in discussions, and joining study groups.
Student Senate President Gabriella Hall ’27 offered a student perspective, reminding the new students that success at Keuka College is about being willing to ask questions, try new things, seek assistance, and become engaged in the campus community.
“College isn’t about having all the answers on day one,” she told the more than 200 students in attendance. “It’s about being willing to ask questions, try new things, and grow through every opportunity and experience.”
Gabriella also led students in affirming the Way of the Wolf, the College’s values.
President Amy Storey shared several key chapters in College history with the students who are now a big part of its future.
President Amy Storey then shared a little Keuka College history with students, from its 1890 inception by the Rev. George Harvey Ball to the introduction of cornerstone programs like Field Period to the many experiential learning opportunities offered today.
“Now, it’s time for you to help write the next chapters,” President Storey told the students, “both the College’s and, more importantly, your own.”
In her keynote address, Professor of Biology Gylla MacGregor drew on her experiences as a scientist and educator to offer the Class of 2030 practical advice for starting off their College journey.
“Be present in class and push yourself to engage, even on the days you don’t feel like it,” she advised. “Some of the most important opportunities, experiences, and life lessons happen on ordinary days or when you least expect it.”
Prof. MacGregor also urged students not to shy away from risking mistakes – and learning from them.
“Let yourself be frustrated and fail. Because in science we often learn more from experiments that don’t work than those that arrive at an expected answer.”
She closed by asking students to embrace their curiosity.
“Today is not the end of orientation; it is the beginning of your education,” MacGregor said. “Follow that curiosity. Ask questions. Explore. Change your mind if you need to.”
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from College Chaplain Eric Detar, who stressed the importance of commitment.
“Commitment is needed,” he told the students. “Commit to yourself. Commit to one another. Commit to compassion, empathy, understanding, and kindness.”
The Class of 2030 then gathered for a class photograph before continuing the celebration with a dinner on the Chapel lawn.
