New students + timeless traditions: Heidelberg opens 176th academic year

With excitement and a touch of nervous energy, Heidelberg’s Class of 2029 took their first steps into tradition on Thursday morning, crossing T-Bridge and gathering for Opening Convocation to celebrate the start of their college journey and the 2025-26 academic year.

The ceremonies ushered in Heidelberg’s 176th year of making opportunities for students.

“Since 1850, we have remained steadfast Opportunity Makers on a student-focused mission defined by your classroom and experiential learning success, graduation, careers, and lives of Purpose with Distinction. Why? Because we believe in people,” said President Rob Huntington in his opening remarks.

Rob thanked the 1,130 undergrad and graduate students, both full time and part time, as well as College Credit Plus (CCP) high school students, for choosing Heidelberg. He also thanked faculty, staff, alumni, and partners “who worked very hard to prepare your academic courses, teams, ensembles, activities, internships, health services, residence halls, food service, and campus grounds for the start of the fall semester.”

“Amazing job by everyone!” he said.

Fun facts about first-years

This year’s incoming class represents a 12% increase over last year. Here are some interesting facts about the Class of ’29:

•    1% identify as non-binary
•    9% are in the Honors Program
•    10% are members of Heidelberg Legacy Families
•    13% are from Tiffin and Seneca County
•    17 U.S. states are represented
•    17% are from underrepresented groups
•    23% are from outside of Ohio
•    26% participated in Scholars Day
•    40% identify as females
•    43% are first-generation college students
•    59% identify as males
•    61% are starting with CCP/AP/T credit hours
•    79% are student-athletes

“And 100% of our new students want to engage, socialize, succeed, graduate, and advance their careers at The Berg,” Rob said. “Engagement, hard work, kindness, and dreams matter for college success. Knowing how active, service-oriented, and successful our incoming first-years were in high school is uplifting.”

He acknowledged that sometimes, we get tripped up, knocked down, or fall short of our goals. Challenges, difficulties, and setbacks happen to all of us.

That’s when the Heidelberg family steps in.

"What happens next is what matters most,” Rob said. “Reset, refocus, and respond. Ask for help. Get back up. Help others get up again. In our caring community, please know that you are not alone. Welcome to the Heidelberg family.”

Timeless traditions

Leading up to Convocation on Thursday morning, Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Chris Abrams walked the new class through T-Bridge, a rite of passage where they received their beanies and “H” pins. At T-Bridge, each student was given a shiny penny that they chose to either leave in Rock Creek or carry with them forever – symbolic of a commitment to either love or money.

Ashley Helmstetter, VP for Advancement, Marketing, Alumni, and Community Relations, believes it’s both.

As she explained the traditions, she said, “Whether you tossed your penny into Rock Creek or tucked it into your pocket, you made your choice to begin your time here with purpose and intention. Because of that choice, and because you are now part of this extraordinary place, I believe you’ll find both: love and success.”

Two other gifts – the Heidelberg beanie and the “H” pin – are symbols of belonging that connect the new students to generations of alumni more than 15,000 strong, Ashley explained. The beanie and pin aren’t just conversation starters; they represent “the power of this community.”

These traditions – along with the singing of Heidelberg’s alma mater, Sweet Alma Home, to conclude Opening Convocation – are more than traditions. They’re our heart.

“They’re the threads that bind us across decades and disciplines,” Ashley said. “Whether it’s the ringing of the Victory Bell after a win, or the Class Banner that represents your unique journey and will one day march with you at Commencement, these traditions are a reminder: You’re part of something enduring, something meaningful.”

“Your banner, your beanie, your voice in the alma mater … they’re all a part of this place. A place that’s now yours.”