BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Wesleyan welcomed its newest Titans this week, introducing them to the traditions that define campus life ahead of the 2025–26 school year which begins Monday.
The annual orientation process known as Turning Titan began Wednesday, Aug. 20 and continues through the weekend, introducing new students to campus as summer comes to a close.
During the move-in process Wednesday, families were greeted by cheerful student and staff volunteers who swooped into car trunks and back seats to load personal belongings onto carts and into residence halls. After a busy day of unpacking and settling in, the class was welcomed during a New Student Celebration at the Shirk Center — a new location for the annual event due to the size of the group. As one of the largest incoming classes in recent history, first-year and transfer students total more than 550 Titans. Final enrollment numbers for the University will be announced in early September.
At the celebration, Student Senate President Krysten Walowski '27 greeted the new students seated in Dennie Bridges Court and invited them to take a selfie with others nearby.
“This picture captures one highlight of your college career, a few moments in your life, and only nearly a glimpse of the overall story you will become — but soak it in. These moments at university will pass you by quickly, so cherish the many experiences you will soon encounter,” she said.
Walowski advised her new peers to welcome change, embrace the IWU community, and to create and mold their own college experience.
Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Karla Carney-Hall took time to explain several Illinois Wesleyan traditions, including the concrete pineapple legacy established by former President Dick Wilson in homage to previous IWU President Robert Eckley; the power of the University motto “Scientia et Sapienta” which translates to “knowledge and wisdom;” and the beloved quote by former President Minor Myers jr. — “Go forth into the world and do well, but more importantly do good.”
“We know you will ‘do well’ academically, athletically, artistically, and more, but more importantly that you will ‘do good’ by creating an engaged, inclusive, authentic, supportive, respectful community,” said Carney-Hall.
President Sheahon Zenger, now in his second year leading the University, also addressed the cohort. He echoed Myers’ challenge for students to discover their passion and added his own: to be active participants at IWU rather than spectators. He closed by urging the group to carry forward the campus traditions that connect generations of Titans.
As students poured out of Shirk to pose for a class photo after the welcome event, they each filed past the iconic concrete pineapple, giving it a pat to symbolize the beginning of their IWU experience. The next time students will cross paths with the pineapple will be as graduates on the commencement stage.
On Thursday, students were introduced to another tradition as they gathered at Aspiration Fountain in Egbers Quadrangle to write their college goals in chalk on the sidewalk around the fountain. Some of the ambitions were: "figure out my career path," "find my passion," "publish my next book," "be someone to talk to," "know that I belong." This tradition will come full circle in 2029, as faculty and staff will chalk the names of each graduate around the fountain to honor their achievements.
As Turning Titan continues, informative sessions will be balanced with mural painting, a picnic with President Zenger and a carnival on The Eckley Quadrangle to help students feel at home in the university community. Returning students will arrive over the weekend.