A chance to reimagine(opens in new window) the future lies before the Class of 2026+. And it began with bagpipes.

At this year's Convocation, the bright new faces of the Carnegie Mellon University community gathered to mark the formal start of their academic journey — with a heartfelt dose of inspiration from CMU leaders, faculty and fellow students.

Inside the tent erected on the College of Fine Arts(opens in new window) lawn, Carnegie Mellon President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window) again welcomed the new class enthusiastically to their in-person college experience.

"There has never been a more exciting time to be a student — and to have the world and all of the opportunities right at your fingertips," Jahanian said. "While I can't predict the future, and I can't predict what lies ahead, I know that your generation has the power to design a post-pandemic future that is more inclusive, is more equitable, more inspiring and more sustainable."

David Coulter(opens in new window), alumnus and chair of CMU's Board of Trustees(opens in new window), welcomed the new class on behalf of the board, and reflected upon the influence CMU had in his life.

"When I go over my business career, and think about some of the successes, and of course, a few of the failures, one thing is very clear. And that is the impact CMU has had on me as I have worked through those issues and opportunities," Coulter said. "Carnegie Mellon taught me how to think: rigorously, both conceptually and analytically. And I've used those skills practically every day of my business life."

"Our orientation theme this year is 'Reimagine.' As you begin this journey, I implore you to reimagine who you are and who you want to be," You said. "College is a time to explore your interests, values and identities, and CMU is a place unlike any other."

Provost James H. Garrett Jr.(opens in new window) is no stranger to Convocation. Garrett received his bachelor's degree in civil and environmental engineering in 1982, his master's degree in 1983, and his Ph.D. in 1986 — all from CMU.

"Each year I get so excited for Orientation Week because you can feel the energy of a new academic year beginning," Garrett said to the incoming class. "Today you join our community, and we are a better university because you are here. We are committed to your success, and we will work hard to make sure you have an inclusive, supportive and excellent experience here."

"My definition of family quickly evolved over time at Carnegie Mellon. The same folks I sat next to during Convocation quickly became my second family and helped me grow in ways I could have never imagined," Salazarsaid. "While being a first-generation student is by no means easy, deciding to come to Carnegie Mellon has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Over the years, my Tartan family has helped me appreciate the community that I am a part of. All of you sitting here, regardless of identity, background or ethnicity, now have a place to call home."

Each year, one member of the Carnegie Mellon faculty is selected to deliver an address during Convocation. Kathryn Whitehead(opens in new window) is a professor of chemical engineering and biomedical engineering, whose lab develops nanoparticles(opens in new window) that can be used to deliver medication. Whitehead recently gave a TED Talk(opens in new window) on lipid nanoparticles and how they could revolutionize medicine.

Whitehead spoke about a personal realization she made in her academic journey. Camaraderie was more valuable than any academic resource.

"Here, on this campus, you have the opportunity to reimagine a new beginning," Whitehead said. "You're joining a community replete with amazing people, people who will buoy you after these years adrift in a stormy sea. These talented people will teach and inspire you, and they'll help you through the challenging times that you face here and celebrate with you throughout your victories — if you let them."