New students, transfers, faculty, and staff commit to the Honor Code and join the Blue Hose family
Presbyterian College officially welcomed the Class of 2029 and new transfer students at its annual Matriculation Ceremony, a tradition that not only marks the beginning of the academic year but also underscores the institution’s emphasis on community, integrity, and academic excellence.
A Presidential Welcome
PC president Dr. Anita Gustafson set the tone for the ceremony with an enthusiastic greeting to students, families, and supporters gathered inside Belk Auditorium.
“It’s a great day to be a Blue Hose,” she said, as she invited students to embrace college life as a transformative “threshold experience.”
Using the image of stepping from one room to another, Gustafson explained that the moment symbolized students leaving behind their high school years and entering a new chapter filled with discovery, growth, and challenge.
“You are now a Blue Hose,” she said. “At PC you will be challenged and you will be pushed to become your best selves. You will be asked to think deeply about issues, to write persuasively, to learn how to ask questions, and to research and find the answers – and to do it with integrity.”
The president also reminded parents and families that they, too, were crossing a threshold. Their homes would feel emptier, she said, but they could rest assured that their students were in good hands.
“Give them space to learn and grow,” Gustafson encouraged. “Help them solve their own challenges, but know that the faculty and staff here want them to succeed. Your success,” she said, turning back to the students, “is our ultimate goal.”
“It’s a great day to be a Blue Hose.”
Dr. Anita Gustafson, PC President
By the Numbers
Following Gustafson’s welcome, Dr. Brandon Vinson, vice president for enrollment management, shared the profile of PC’s newest class.
“This is the largest new student class we’ve had since the pandemic,” Vinson said.
In total, 324 students joined PC this fall, including 272 first-year students and 52 transfers. They represent more than 190 high schools and 44 colleges across 35 states and 13 countries.
Academically, the class boasts an impressive average GPA of 4.36 on a 5.0 scale (or 3.49 on a 4.0 scale), with two-thirds graduating in the top 30 percent of their high school classes. Transfer students also arrive well-prepared, carrying an average GPA of 3.32.
“This is an extraordinary group,” Vinson said. “And while we’re celebrating your hard work and your accomplishments, we also want to recognize the parents, families, and friends who helped you get here. This journey is theirs, too.”
Living True Blue: The Honor Code
Central to the college’s traditional matriculation is the requirement for all new students, faculty, and staff to commit formally to PC’s Honor Code by reciting its pledge and signing the Roll of Honor.
Dr. Craig Vondergeest, the Ruby K. Phillips Professor of Religion and faculty advisor to the Honor Council, explained that enrollment at PC also comes with a promise – a lifelong commitment to integrity and accountability.
“The Honor Code is how we hold one another accountable to conduct our work with honesty and integrity,” Vondergeest said. “By accepting a spot in the class of 2029, you are agreeing to abide by its guidelines.”
He detailed the expectations: students pledge to complete their own work without unacknowledged aid, credit their sources properly, refrain from cheating and dishonesty, and respect the property of others.
Violating the code carries serious consequences, including failure in the course and the loss of all credits earned that semester – penalties that can jeopardize financial aid and athletic eligibility.
“But I hope you follow the Honor Code not just because of the consequences,” Vondergeest told students, “but because you are people of character. And if temptation becomes strong, remember that the cost of one poor grade is far less than the cost of dishonesty.”
He closed with a bit of humor: “Your professors are harder to fool than you think – and they can recognize AI-produced material from a mile away.”
A Student-Led Tradition
Immediately after Vondergeest’s remarks, Hallie Cohen, chair of the Honor Council, invited her fellow officers – vice chair Anna McGowan and secretaries Alexandra McAllister and Taylor Wooten – to join her in leading students, faculty, and staff in reciting the Honor Pledge.
“By signing the Roll of Honor,” Cohen said, “you are pledging to uphold the values that make this institution great – academic integrity, honor, trust, respect, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.”
She reminded the students that they were joining a legacy of alumni who achieved remarkable things and urged them to embrace the opportunities before them.
“This tradition highlights the importance of academic achievement and integrity,” Cohen said. “You are now part of something greater.”
The ritual signing of the Roll of Honor followed – a symbolic act that officially welcomed the newest members into the PC community.
Reassuring Parents: Partnership in the Journey
The ceremony also included a panel discussion designed to reassure parents as they entrusted their students to college life.
Dr. Andrew Peterson, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, described resilience as one of the most important lessons students will learn at PC.
“Yes, they’ll face roommate conflicts, tough exams, and setbacks,” Peterson acknowledged. “That’s part of learning. But know that when those challenges come, we are here to support them – and to support you.”
Peterson also encouraged parents to reach out to his office whenever they heard about struggles at home. He explained the role of PC CARES, a team of faculty and staff dedicated to supporting students through personal or academic difficulties, and highlighted resources such as tutoring, the Writing Center, and counseling.
Dr. Selena Blair, the Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice and Community Wellbeing, spoke not only as an administrator but also as a parent.
“You have spent 16 to 18 years pouring into your babies,” she said. “You’ve done your job. Now it’s time for them to soar.”
Blair encouraged families to give students the freedom to make mistakes, grow, and own their experiences, while also reminding them to keep refrigerators stocked and be ready for late-night phone calls asking for money or advice.
Dr. Erin McAdams, provost and vice president of academic affairs, emphasized the exceptional level of care at PC.
“I’ve taught at several institutions, but nowhere have I seen the depth of care that I see here,” she said. “Even the person who swipes your student’s ID in the cafeteria will know their name and check in on them. Faculty and staff notice if something seems off, and we reach out to make sure they’re taken care of.”
McAdams also reminded parents of the limits set by federal privacy laws such as FERPA, which prevent colleges from releasing student academic information without consent. She encouraged parents to maintain open communication with their students and trust PC’s commitment to their success.
Becoming Part of the PC Family
From the ceremonial signing of the Roll of Honor to heartfelt reassurances from faculty and staff, the matriculation ceremony highlighted the spirit of community that defines Presbyterian College.
Gustafson’s opening words framed the day as the beginning of an exciting new journey – one that will shape not only the academic future of students but also their character and personal growth.
“Remember,” she said, “we will walk alongside you as you learn and grow here at PC, because your success is our ultimate goal. You are now officially part of the PC family. Go True Blue – and Go Blue Hose.”
