Congratulations to the newest W&M class, the class of 2021, and welcome to the Tribe! The eve before convocation I was anticipating playing in the pep band, and how the entire campus would line the path outside of Wren to welcome you all to our beloved campus. You all walked through the main hall of the Wren buildin, doing what thousands of others have, consecrating your right-by-admission as members of a tradition that goes back to the 17th century.

You stand on the doorstep to greatness. I have no doubt that you will succeed and bring further glory to yourselves and to our alma mater. It is not for nothing you are here; you are the nation’s best and brightest. Indeed, we may not quite have the luster of the Ivy League, but our resumes are equivalent to those who may question our small liberal arts school.

You follow three presidents and a myriad of founders of this nation, and many others who have made their way to greatness in some capacity. You walk in the footsteps of these great individuals, and now you get to grow and become just as great as those who walked through the very same halls years ago.

I hope that as you walked through the Wren building you realized that your nation, your families, and everyone you know were looking towards you and expecting great things; greatness in the Tribe is no rare thing.

You are all deserving members of the Tribe. Celebrate, enjoy your 4 years on campus, and make the most of the amazing opportunity that has been given to you!