Convocation 2025

By WashU

August 26^th, 2025

The 1,963 members of the Class of 2029 gathered in Brookings Quadrangle on Saturday, Aug. 23, for one of WashU’s most beloved traditions – Convocation. Wearing the bright colors of their residential communities, the students shouted their cheers, applauded speeches from university leaders and celebrated with ice cream and live music at the Tisch Park afterparty.

“From the energy here tonight, I can tell you’ve already begun forming relationships with your fellow first-years. As our worldwide network of dedicated WashU alumni would tell you, the relationships you form here will likely be among the most profound and enduring of your lives,” Chancellor Andrew D. Martin told students.

You, individually and collectively, are exceptional. You are also joining a campus filled with people from all over the country and all around the world – people of different perspectives, cultures, faiths, socioeconomic backgrounds and lived experiences. This diversity is not just something we acknowledge — it's something we celebrate.

– Ronné Turner, vice provost for undergraduate enrollment and student financial aid

I ask that you see the humanity in others. To truly listen, understand, learn and appreciate the humanity of all members of our community, from the faculty, the staff, your peers, our groundskeepers, food servers, building cleaners and yes, even your administrators. Assume goodness first.

– Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs

The Class of 2029 hails from 49 states (sorry, Wyoming!) – 30% are from the Midwest, 18% are from the Mid-Atlantic, 14% are from the West, 10% from the South, 8% from the Southwest and 6% from New England. International students representing 29 countries constitute 15% of the class.

The most common female names in the Class of 2029 are Sophia, Ava, Hannah, Julia and Ella. The most common male names are William, Benjamin, Daniel, Ethan and Alexander.

Give yourself grace. When you think everyone around you is smarter than you and knows exactly what they’re doing, they don’t. We’re all in the same boat. Always believe in yourself. Do this and you will have nothing to fear.