Washington Rings in New Academic Year with Largest Class in Recent History

Fall Convocation welcomed the Class of 2029 and highlighted the importance of community and continuous growth, as new Interim President Dr. Bryan Matthews and others shared a vision for the future.

It was a gathering that marked both a beginning and a return. On Thursday, August 28, the Washington College community came together in the Decker Theatre for Fall Convocation, celebrating the start of the academic year and formally welcoming the Class of 2029. The ceremony was a celebration of community, tradition, and the intellectual journey that lies ahead for Washington’s newest students, as well as a reminder that growth, for both students and faculty, is a continuous process.  

Following the processional, led by Marshal Richard C. De Prospo and an invocation, Board of Visitors and Governors Chair Rick Wheeler took the stage to introduce Dr. Bryan Matthews, Washington’s new Interim President. Matthews, who is an alumnus as well as a parent of a recent graduate, has spent roughly 27 years serving the students of Washington College over the past four decades in a variety of roles in athletics, admissions, student affairs, and the president’s office.  

"He knows this campus the traditions and value of this College, and the potential that can be unlocked when students, faculty, and staff are given the support and the opportunity to learn and innovate,” said Wheeler.  

Addressing the new students, Matthews affirmed that Washington is a place that will help them "discover the person you want to be." He emphasized that a liberal arts education provides the invaluable "tool kit" of adaptability and the ability to appreciate differing perspectives, which will serve them throughout their lives. He encouraged the students to embrace new experiences, join clubs, and start conversations.  

"Washington is YOUR community,” he told the first-year students. “We are all here to help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—it’s part of the learning process.” 

Matthews’ final piece of advice to students was simple: embrace all of it. “Explore and engage deeply. Make the most of this time,” he urged them. “Washington helps you shape the life you want to lead.” 

This year’s incoming class is one of the largest in Washington’s recent history. Johnnie Johnson, vice president of enrollment management, highlighted their impressive profile, noting that while they have not yet declared their academic majors, popular areas of interest from their applications include business management, environmental science, psychology, biology, education, and engineering. The class hails from 20 different states and 10 countries outside the U.S., including Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates. Johnson also noted that approximately 40% of the new class are athletes and that the class has an impressive average GPA of 3.6. Describing the students as "leaders, writers, accomplished musicians, artists, actors, historians, scholars and literal game-changers," he celebrated their potential to make the most of the next four years. 

The ceremony also honored those who have made significant contributions to the Washington College community. The Alumni Horizon Ribbon Award, which recognizes young alumni for outstanding scholarship, leadership, or service, was presented to two individuals. Ellen Bassett ’12 was honored for her work as a riverkeeper with the Arundel Rivers Federation, a role in which she is dedicated to the protection and restoration of the South, West, and Rhode Rivers of Anne Arundel County. As a student, she majored in environmental studies, participated in the Chesapeake Semester, and served as captain of the dance team. Keenan Wheeler, D.O. ’10 was recognized for his role as a team physician with the U.S. Naval Academy athletic department, specializing in internal and sports medicine. He was noted as a leader in his fraternity and was a crew team member while at Washington College. More info on both awardees is available on the Convocation page.  

The convocation address was delivered by Rebecca Fox, the Adrian Reed Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Studies, who was also the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Association’s Award for Distinguished Teaching. Fox's speech highlighted themes of continuous growth and the importance of a supportive community in the learning process. She shared her personal journey as an educator, admitting that when she first started at Washington, she had never really taught a class or made a syllabus but that she was immediately offered help and guidance from her colleagues across campus. Fox encouraged students to seek and accept help from as many sources as possible during their time as undergrads, emphasizing that her own success was not a solitary achievement. 

“My teaching is not actually my teaching. It’s the result of the hard work and support of a lot of other people. I’m still learning,” she said.  

She encouraged the new students to find their passion, explaining that what is truly important is not just learning hard concepts but learning how to learn. She concluded her remarks by noting, “I’m not really that different from you—I’ve just made a point to take advantage of the people who wanted to help me and put myself out there a bit,” a sentiment that underscored her message of vulnerability and resilience. 

During the ceremony, a number of academic honors were presented to students by Provost Kiho Kim.  

Alumni Medal   

The Alumni Medal is awarded to the members of the Sophomore Class who achieve the highest academic average for the year.  

• Olivia Allen 

• Katrina Callahan 

• Annabella Goglia 

• Audrey MacNair 

• Kaitlyn Mankevich 

• Zachary Tipton 

• Natalie Watkinson 

• Amelia Watson 

• Madeleine York 

 

Visitors and Governors Medal 

The Visitors and Governors Medal is awarded to the members of the Junior Class who achieve the highest academic average for the year.  

• Marycatherine Anson 

• Zoe Brookbank 

• Maura Collins 

• Michael Daniello 

• Morgan Link 

• Lauren Paules 

 

Middendorf Scholars 

The Middendorf Scholars Award is given annually by the Middendorf Foundation to rising seniors for academic excellence and leadership qualities.   

• Marycatherine Anson 

• Kyaran Balin-Brooks 

• Jaya Basu 

• Kaitlyn Boggs 

• Shane Brace 

• Zoe Brookbank 

• Maura Collins 

• Hayley Covington 

• Faye Dorman  

• Andrew Ellestad 

• Ty Everitt 

• Michael Hudak 

• Christopher Johnson 

• Andrew Kinsey 

• Giselle Kleinbussink  

• Heather Lamont 

• Ryan Lang 

• Olivia Long 

• Stevie Lyles 

• Lauren Paules 

• Klara Pecher 

• Faith Poulton 

• Karlis Povisils 

• Ryan Sharpley 

• McKenna Smith 

• Isabella Sorhegui 

• Sheri-Ann Swayne 

• Sara Sypolt 

• Grace Walton 

• Julia Weglarz 

The College also recognized the Greek organizations that achieved the highest scholastic averages: Kappa Sigma for fraternities and Alpha Omicron Pi for sororities. 

The ceremony concluded with a final blessing from the Reverend Caitlan Gartland, who encouraged the community to begin the academic year with "eyes wide open, minds wide open, and hearts wide open."  

- Dominique Ellis Falcon