North Central Welcomes New Cardinals at 2026 Convocation

The Class of 2030 and new transfer students formally began their journey at North Central College during New Cardinal Convocation, which took place on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in the Hal & Benna Wilde Residence Hall/Recreation Center.

With families looking on, North Central College officially welcomed nearly 1,100 new Cardinals, including 628 first-year students, 322 transfer students and 150 graduate students.

Ashley Chubirka, director of first-year admission, presented an overview of the incoming class. Students represent communities across the country, from Washington to Maine and 25 states in between, as well as 30 countries around the world. More than 300 incoming students are among the first in their families to attend college.
 

“Start writing your story”

In welcoming incoming Cardinals, President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá encouraged the new students to embrace their place within the North Central community and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

“New Cardinal Convocation marks the beginning of your journey here,” said Dr. Gòkè-Paríolá. “The end will be Commencement: when you will walk across the stage — in this very same space — as a graduate of North Central College.”

He suggested students view the years between Convocation and Commencement as pages waiting to be written.

“Right now, you get to start writing your story,” he said. “And our extraordinary faculty and staff are here to support and guide you along the way.”

Executive Vice President and Provost Kristin Geraty welcomed students to their new academic home and shared how the North Central experience is designed to foster curiosity, build relationships, challenge ideas and assumptions, and prepare students for life after college.

Dr. Geraty encouraged students to take an active role in their education by connecting with faculty, exploring new experiences and remaining open to unexpected interests.

“Ask lots of questions,” Geraty told students. “There’s no time in your life quite like the journey you are about to begin.”
 

“We know each other”

That message of connection continued throughout Convocation. Julie Carballo, assistant dean of students for first-generation and military-affiliated initiatives, encouraged students to begin building relationships during the Cardinal Welcome Experience and throughout their time at North Central.

“Communities are built one relationship at a time,” she said.

Students also heard from Student Governing Association President Gwennie Gilbert ’29, who reflected on sitting in the same place as a first-year student just one year earlier. She encouraged the newest Cardinals to be present, get involved and embrace opportunities to meet others throughout their first year.

“You will find your people, I promise,” Gilbert said. “You belong here. So, just take it all in.”

Dr. Rocky VanHorn, professor of psychology and neuroscience, echoed that North Central is a welcoming place, saying, “One of the things I love about North Central: we know each other.”

VanHorn added that students should not simply attend North Central but actively contribute to the Cardinal community.

“You are not simply joining a community that already exists. You are helping build it,” he said.

VanHorn left the newest Cardinals with a final message as they began their first Welcome Week together: “We are glad you are here, we believe you belong here, and we know you are capable of the extraordinary. Please don't just attend North Central College. Be part of it.”

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