By Donald Gilpin

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber addressed the members of Princeton’s Class of 2027 at the University’s Opening Exercises on Sunday, September 3, urging them to look forward to “transformation” as an important part of their education over the next four years.

In the annual ceremony that culminates a week of orientation activities and marks the start of the academic year, Eisgruber noted that “transformative” is the word he hears most often when talking to Princeton alumni about their education.

Quoting a passage from Toni Morrison, the late Nobel prize-winning author and Princeton professor, Eisgruber warned that transformation, learning, and growth, “are not easy, not for anyone.”

He continued, as quoted in a Princeton University Office of Communications press release, “There will inevitably be not just triumphs but also sorrows, not just laughter but also tears, when we challenge ourselves, when we develop and change, and when we care deeply — as we should, as we must — about our academic and co-curricular endeavors and our community.”

Eisgruber talked about transformations experienced at Princeton by Maria Ressa, a 1986 graduate and the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Ressa was sitting in the front row for the ceremonies, on campus to discuss her book, How to Stand up to a Dictator, which was assigned summer reading for the students.

Eisgruber pointed out experiences described by Ressa in her book that “were life-changing for Maria. They were transformative. But they were not easy.”

He went on to advise his audience to have the courage to ask for help when they need it and to work to create mutual respect, especially in this “time of intense social conflict.”

He added, “Engaged discussion and passionate argument are essential to a college education. So too are mutual respect and collegial support that allow us to learn and grow together.”

On the theme of transformation, Eisgruber noted, “Transformation is a wonderful thing. It’s also very demanding. It brings worry along with joy, frustration along with happiness. That’s OK; indeed, that is part of what it means to get a great education.”

After the Opening Exercises ceremony, the first-year students took part in the Pre-rade, a mini version the Princeton Reunions P-rade that takes place each spring. Classes for all undergraduates began on Tuesday, September 5.

Summer Programs at Princeton University

Pre-orientation programs at Princeton this summer hosted by the University’s Emma Bloomberg Center for Access and Opportunity engaged more than 360 first-generation and lower-income (FLi) students from across the state and around the world.

The Freshman Scholars Institute, Princeton University Preparatory Program, Princeton Summer Journalism Program, and Aspiring Scholars and Professionals program are all designed to support FLi students to, through, and beyond college. The participants include high school students, students from two- and four-year colleges and universities in New Jersey, and incoming Princeton first-years and transfer students.

“The center’s overarching goal is in our name: access and opportunity,” said senior associate dean of the University and Bloomberg Center Director Khristina Gonzalez, as quoted in a Princeton University Office of Communications press release.

“We are always thinking about new ways to provide mentorship, guidance, and resources to help students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.”