September 10, 2018
In a colorful Matriculation ceremony on the Archer Cornfield Courtyard, the 322 members of the freshman class took the Ashesi pledge, marking their formal welcome to the community.
The event featured welcome addresses from members of the community including Ashesi President, Patrick Awuah, who urged the students to join Ashesi’s commitment to creating impact across the continent.
“We need to educate people fast; we need to educate people differently,” he said highlighting the expansion of the African continent. “What we need to happen is have a movement across the continent where every university educates differently, where every school educates differently. Ashesi is not enough, but Ashesi is necessary. It is very important that Ashesi graduates will be out there creating change, building innovative businesses, growing social enterprises and running the government in ways that bring progress to this continent. And for you, today is the beginning of that journey. That is what Matriculation day is about; an expression of our confidence that you are prepared that you have the capability to join us in this mission. And after four years we’ll be able to set you out with the confidence that you’ll make the change that this continent needs.”
Also speaking at the ceremony was the Dean of Students and Community Affairs, Abdul Mahdi who in welcoming the students encouraged them to be citizens of their communities.
“We want you to be scholarly, ask questions, be curious about your surroundings, we want you to care about others in and outside the community,” he said. “We want not only to you to be somebody who wants to lead, and but also somebody who has the compassion to be lead. Class of 2022, we appreciate your uniqueness and diversity and celebrate them. You belong at Ashesi.”
Following the ceremony, the Ashesi Student Council led the Calabash Ceremony, a long-standing tradition at Ashesi, which symbolizes Ghana’s traditional customs of hospitality, where visitors to one’s home are welcomed with a drink of water. “To be a member of this community is a badge, one to be worn with pride,” said Student Council President, Edwin Adatsi ’19, speaking to the first-years. “The water we give you today is meant not to only symbolize welcoming you, but to motivate you to be different. Know that you’re joining a community that will give you all the support that you will need.”
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