The Shapiro Gymnasium in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center filled with noise and energy on Sunday as incoming firstyears, transfer students and their families gathered for the 2015 Convocation ceremony. The central theme for orientation was “Share Stories; Make Connections.”

“We hope that you will share your story and create your own connections every day that you are here—with friends, faculty and staff,” a pamphlet handed to attendees at the door read.

Rabbi Elyse Winick ’86, the University’s Jewish Chaplain, offered the opening remarks, reading three passages from the Bible, the Qur’an and the Hindu Veda linked together with the phrase “in the beginning.” She also told of meeting her husband at Brandeis during her senior year, which she dubbed a “Brandeis story.”

“For some of you, this is the next chapter in a Brandeis story—offspring of alumni or staff. For others, the Brandeis chapter in your story is just beginning,” she told the audience. “Welcome to your story. May it be long and fascinating and filled with blessing, and we thank you for the privilege of helping to fill in those pages.”

The Orientation Core Committee, which consisted of students Annie Abrams ’17, Danielle Frankel ’17, Dennis Hermida-Gonzalez ’17 and Gwen Fraser ’17, then took to the podium to extend their greetings and discuss the planning that went into the orientation week.

Abrams discussed the orientation theme, explaining how it demonstrates “the essence of Brandeis itself.” She also touched on the significance of orientation week.

“This week, with the help of our amazing orientation leaders and various staff and faculty from all over campus, we will learn about social justice [and] academics … and have the time of our lives at amazing social events,” she said. “But most importantly, we will learn what it means to be a Brandeis student.”

“We want each of you to know that each and every one of you have joined a family that will never let you down. A family that goes beyond the call of duty to make you feel safe, wanted, needed and, most of all, loved,” Hermida-Gonzalez added.

Next, Interim University President Lisa Lynch addressed the audience, welcoming new students and offering advice to them and their families. “Feeling a little nervous and excited? Don’t worry, everyone else in this gym is too,” she said. “As you share your stories, be true to yourself and be real.”

“Now, maybe [people will] tell you that college is the best four years of your life, … [but] I also hope that Brandeis is not the best four years of your life, rather that during your time at Brandeis you take advantage of the people and resources here so that after graduation you are set on a path to a life most fulfilling,” Lynch told the new students.

Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel then addressed the audience, telling the new students that they have “amazing potential” and have entered into a community set apart by its diversity and vast opportunities.

“You will be tempted to do everything … but let me remind you that you don’t have to do everything,” Flagel said.

He also quoted from Tuesdays with Morrie, a book written by Brandeis alum Mitch Albom ’79: “Devote yourself to loving others. Devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. Feel passionate … and take responsibility for each other. If we only learn those lessons the world will be so much a better place.”

Flagel stressed the significance of the students’ connection to the University, stating, “You will only be students here for four years, but you will be Brandeis alumni for the rest of your lives.”

He wrapped up his remarks by quoting Curious George author Margret Rey, who taught creative writing at Brandeis: “‘Now don’t get into trouble.’ And George promised to be good. But it is easy for little monkeys to forget.”

“So seek to be the change you want to see in the world. … With great power comes great responsibility,” he said. “And on a personal level, while it may be easy for little monkeys to forget, please don’t get into trouble.”