University of Rochester

Candlelight Ceremony

Candlelight Ceremony

Thank you

Thank you all of our students, staff, and families on campus and around the world for making this event a special moment for the Rochester community. We are excited to see all the amazing things this incoming class will do during their time at the University, and we can’t wait to share more Rochester Traditions together soon!

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The Genesee

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The University’s alma mater, The Genesee, was written by Thomas Thackeray Swinburne, a member of the class of 1892. Although he wrote three verses, we only sing the first and third. At the time the song was written, our campus was some distance from the Genesee River. Swinburne loved the river, and would have been very pleased by how appropriate his verse would become with the move to the River Campus in 1930.

Since the late 19th century, Rochester students have sung about “many fair and famous streams” as they give voice to “The Genesee,” Rochester’s alma mater.

Words by T. T. Swinburne '92 
Old melody arranged by Herve D. Wilkins, '66


Full many fair and famous streams 
Beneath the sun there be, 
Yet more to us than any seems 
Our own dear Genesee. 
We love her banks and stately falls, 
For to our minds they bring 
Our dear old alma mater's halls 
Where sweetest memories cling. 

As flows the river gathering force, 
Along her steadfast way, 
May we along life's devious course 
Grow stronger day by day. 
And may our hearts, where'er we roam, 
Forever loyal be 
To our beloved college home 
Beside the Genesee. 

Moments from previous ceremonies

KudoBoard

Class of 2024—welcome to the U of R!

We’re incredibly glad you’re here and cannot wait to see all that you accomplish! We hope that your first year is unforgettable and that your passions for the University, your academics, and your extracurriculars only continue to grow. Never forget to take new chances and to follow your dreams. The world may look different now, but your ability to create positive change and inspire others has never been more real.

Best of luck, and welcome to our Yellow Jacket family!

Student Alumni Ambassador


From Celia Konowe ’21

Class of 2024!!

The University of Rochester has brought all of its students and alumni incredible opportunities, learning experiences, friendships, and more – and I hope that you too are able to get the most out of your years here! College is an incredible time of growth and self-discovery, so take every opportunity to grow and run with it. Wishing you all the best as new yellowjackets!

Victoria, Class of ’21

Student Alumni Ambassador


From Victoria Bela

Welcome!

What an exciting time for you, I can truly say that you will have the time of your life here. The U of R is not just a school, it is a family. These four years will fly, so enjoy it by making good use of all the opportunities and meeting as many people as you can. Here’s to you Class of 2024!

Best Wishes!

Louisa

Class of 94


From Louisa Sanchez

To the class of 2024,

Life is not something that happens to, rather it is what you make of your life. This crazy Covid year will just be a blip in your lifes’s journey. Soak up the knowledge your profs share, make lifetime friendships and enjoy every minute of college. Try not to stress too much about tests just do the work. Party a bit but not too much. Enjoy.


From Shari Lidsky

To all members of the Class of 2024. It was 66 years ago when I arrived on campus, anxious, not knowing what my future was going to be. But, fortunately, I was joining what became the incredible Class of 1958. “We’re beter than good, we’re better than Great. We’re the Class of ’58”

I am wishing you a productive and incredible undergraduate experience. You deserve it. You’ve worked hard to get where you are. Keep it up.

Very best wishes,

Jerry Gardner, ’58


From Jerry Gardner

As a graduate and as a current professor at the U of R I hope your experience will be as good as mine. You have the opportunity of “absorbing” so much academically, socially and emotionally and how much you “absorb” is up to you. So all I have to say is “soak it up!”

Dr. Bill Clark

 

From Bill Clark
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