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McKendree University Officially Welcomes the Class of 2029

by Tina Napper

Lebanon, IL (08/22/2025) — McKendree University welcomed the Class of 2029 to campus during convocation on Thursday, Aug. 21 as 536 first-year students and transfer students arrived on campus this week, representing the second largest incoming class in university history. This is also the fourth consecutive year that the university has experienced enrollment growth at a time that many institutions are experiencing enrollment declines. Total enrollment growth grew again this year by five percent to 2,525 total students.

A palpable sense of excitement permeated the air as new students lined up on College Road before the ceremony in anticipation of officially becoming a Bearcat. While 63 percent of the Class of 2029 have come from throughout Illinois, others represent 30 additional states, as well as 31 other countries. International students have arrived from Argentina, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Scotland, Spain, and Sweden.

Additionally, 84 percent of the incoming class will be receiving academic scholarships, and 24 percent of these students will be receiving the Honors scholarship, which is the highest academic award given to new students by McKendree. Ten percent of students have had a relative attend the university in the past.

"This event and the upcoming days are all about you having a successful start to your McKendree journey," said Dan Dobbins, president of McKendree University. "The perception of McKendree is only as good as the reputation we create each and every day; know that you help us do that."

Dow White, the president of the Student Government Association, urged the new Bearcats to use this time to try many things and to see each day as a gift.

"Over the next four years, you'll have countless opportunities to join clubs, meet people, take risks, and discover what matters to you. What you choose to do with those opportunities is up to you," White said. "Try a lot of things - every step teaches you something real, and what is the point of going to college if not to learn? Make your time at McKendree something you're proud of."

Continuing a longstanding McKendree tradition, all new students signed the matricula, a document that signifies their enrollment and becomes an official, permanent university record. As the sun broke through the clouds, the ceremony concluded with the singing of the fight song, accompanied by the McKendree Spirit Band, Color Guard, the cheerleading team, the football team, and Bogey D. Bearcat.

New students will also participate in three days of orientation, activities, and "Into the Streets" volunteer service in Lebanon and the surrounding areas before classes begin on Monday, Aug. 25.

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