Waynesburg University's 2025-26 academic year officially commenced Friday, August 22, with the annual Matriculation Ceremony held at 2 p.m. in Roberts Chapel. President Douglas G. Lee, Provost Mindy Walls and other University leaders formally welcomed new students to campus during the ceremony, a longstanding Waynesburg tradition.
During the ceremony, President Lee spoke to the incoming class about the importance of perseverance. In his remarks, he quoted A.B. Miller, former president of Waynesburg College, who once said: “The great work of turning a life to good account cannot be accomplished by dreaming, by hoping, not even by solemn resolution but by earnest, persevering effort.”
Each member of the faculty and staff, individually and collectively, along with the amazing graduates that we send out each year, signifies the result of what a persevering effort sustained by God’s abiding grace can accomplish."
“Each member of the faculty and staff, individually and collectively, along with the amazing graduates that we send out each year, signifies the result of what a persevering effort sustained by God’s abiding grace can accomplish,” said Lee. “When you walk this campus and see these buildings and read the names on those buildings, know they are also examples of that type of perseverance.”
Provost Walls read Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
At the end of Matriculation, department chairs and program directors lit candles from the flame of the ceremonial lamp, then extended their flames to the candles of the students, who shared their light with each other. The ceremony served as a tangible symbol of Waynesburg’s motto, “Fiat Lux – Let There Be Light,” and of the University’s purpose of encouraging the transfer of knowledge across its campus.
The Class of 2029 represents 51 different majors and academic areas and is comprised of students from 25 different states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, and North Carolina. With approximately $11 million in aid being processed for the incoming class, including over $7 million in institutional funds, Waynesburg University remains a very affordable option for high quality, Christian higher education in Pennsylvania and the nation.
Matriculation Ceremony & Welcome Days
“It is an honor to welcome the Class of 2029 to campus,” said Ashley Peichl, director of Admissions. “Watching these students begin their Waynesburg journey is a proud moment for our admissions team and an exciting step for the entire University community.”
The Matriculation Ceremony is just one of the many events held during the University's annual Welcome Days celebration, designed to help immerse freshman and transfer students into the Waynesburg community through informational sessions, meet-and-greet opportunities with faculty and engaging group activities.
New students moved into their residence halls Thursday, Aug. 21, and Welcome Days events continue all weekend, including a day of service on Saturday, Aug. 23. Service sites include Corner Cupboard Food Bank, Eva K. Bowlby Public Library, Greene County Historical Society, Ryerson Station State Park, The Way Community Center of Greene County, Warrior Trail Association of Greene County and more.
Upperclassmen return to campus Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 25.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
