Welcome Class of 2030
100 Years of Tradition: Class of 2030 Walks Through the Roberts Arch
When new students arrive at Roberts Wesleyan University today, they aren't simply beginning a new academic year. They're stepping into one century of Roberts history.
As part of New Student Orientation, the incoming class will walk through the historic Roberts Arch, a 100-year tradition that began with a gift from the Class of 1926.
The original Arch stood over the sidewalk entrance to campus from Buffalo Road. Over time, it became much more than an entrance. It marked two significant moments in a student's journey at Roberts.
New students walked through the Arch as they arrived on campus, symbolically beginning their education at Roberts. Years later, graduating students passed through the Arch again. This final walk represented something new: leaving Roberts prepared to go into the world to work, lead, and serve.
One Century Later, the Tradition Continues
The Arch seen on campus today is a refurbished reconstruction of the original, incorporating the 1926 cornerstone. Pieces of the original construction have also been preserved in the "Ebenezer" pillar and stones located along the walkway.
This tradition extends all the way through the students’ final walk on Commencement Day. Since 2016, a portable replica of the Arch has been used during Commencement ceremonies in the Voller Athletic Center, giving graduating students the opportunity to symbolically complete the journey they began when they first arrived.
For today's incoming students, that final walk is still years away. It may even be hard to imagine who that future-self will look like and how that future-self will choose to live.
Today their focus is on the beginning. Their present-self — and the first of two incredibly significant passes under the Roberts Arch.
As the 100th class walks through the Arch, each student becomes part of a Roberts story stretching back a full century - while beginning a story entirely their own. An exciting and unique journey - learning to live the full life that God intends through a faith-filled Roberts experience.
They enter today understandably a bit nervous and apprehensive, but ready to learn, grow in faith, discover their calling, build relationships, and prepare for whatever comes next.
One day, they'll walk OUT of the Arch, likely still a bit nervous and apprehensive, but fully-prepared to take what they've learned beyond Roberts and into the world.
But today, they walk IN.
Welcome to Roberts, Class of 2030. It's time to Learn to Live!
About the author
Roberts Wesleyan University
As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan University seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.
We are a private Christian university in Rochester, New York, offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
As the only NCAA Division II institution in the region and member of the East Coast Conference, Roberts is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive athletics.