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Danbury's WestConn Opens The Gates To New College Students

DANBURY, Conn. — Western Connecticut State University honored its newest group of students with the opening of the gates ceremony at the downtown campus in Danbury on a cool but sunny day. 

The students march through the gates as they are welcomed Friday at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

The students march through the gates as they are welcomed Friday at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
The student, in a line, followed by family and friends, head for the quad on the downtown campus of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

The student, in a line, followed by family and friends, head for the quad on the downtown campus of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
New President John B. Clark welcomes students to Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

New President John B. Clark welcomes students to Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Alumni greet the Class of 2019 at the gate ceremony at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Alumni greet the Class of 2019 at the gate ceremony at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
President of Student Government Association Emma Olownia greets her fellow students at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

President of Student Government Association Emma Olownia greets her fellow students at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Students prepare to head through the gates.

Students prepare to head through the gates.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Jane McBride Gates, provost and vice president for academic affairs, greets new students at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Jane McBride Gates, provost and vice president for academic affairs, greets new students at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
The pep band, led by Paul Riley, play at the gates ceremony at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

The pep band, led by Paul Riley, play at the gates ceremony at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Students head through the gates on a warm August day at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Students head through the gates on a warm August day at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Colin the Colonial parties with the students at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Colin the Colonial parties with the students at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Heading through the gates at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Heading through the gates at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris

Parents, friends, students and faculty gathered around the gate on White Street, awaiting the new freshmen and transfer students. 

At 1:30 p.m. Friday, the students walked through the opened gates to the university's alma mater played by the school band. 

After passing through the gates, the students proceeded to the quad between Werner Hall and Higgins Hall. There they were welcomed by Jay Murray, director of admissions, and a musical interlude by WCSU’s club Play It By Ear.

Western's new president, John B. Clark, made the official greeting, offering many words of wisdom to the class of 2019. 

“Today, I am a freshman here myself,” Clark said. “Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help, and choose a major you will enjoy.”

After speaking to the students, Clark directed his attention to the parents. “We are here fully for the success of the children as we are sitting in front of the next generation and when I look out, I see the future,” he said to the assembled crowd. 

Greetings then came from Jane McBride Gates, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Keith Betts, vice president for student affairs; and President of Student Government Association Emma Olownia. 

“You just have to be prepared for anything to happen,” said Olownia. A group of students then came out with the mascot, Colin the Colonial, dancing to “Party in the USA”  but changing the words to “Party in Danbury.” 

Following the song, the cheerleaders came out and did a song-and-dance routine of their own.

The ceremony concluded with the passing of the flag by Thomas Crucitti, interim director of alumni relations and a member of the Class of 1969. 

The WCSU Spirit Band, conducted by Paul Riley, closed out the event.

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