Ashesi welcomed the Class of 2020 to campus on Wednesday September 7,2016. This year’s class of 278 students from 18 countries, 106 high schools, and from all the ten regions of Ghana is the largest and most diverse yet.
In a packed and yet exciting first week; from move in day through to the Parent’s day, members of the freshman class are already working their way into life on campus, making friends and sharing experiences. “It’s overwhelming and exciting at the same time,” said Sibongile Sithole from Zimbabwe. “Just the thought of being away from home can be unnerving, but I get comforted about the fact that I am at home in Ghana. I look forward to making a lot of friends and learning about other people’s cultures.”
Ashesi Founder and President, Dr. Patrick Awuah, welcomed the new crop of undergraduates during the ceremony, urging them to embrace Ashesi’s mission.
“Our mission is written on more than a piece of paper; It is written in our minds, and most importantly it is written in our hearts,” Dr. Awuah said. “And so as I welcome you here today, my charge for you is that you allow that mission to be written in your minds and in your hearts. And if you do, after four years, we will gather again in this same setting, and I and all of us here will know that there is hope for our continent.”
Other speakers also urged the freshman class to encourage one another to strive to be the best they can be to impact the continent. “Do remember Ashesi’s mission which will drive you in your years here,” said Ruth Kwakwa, Dean of Students and Community Affairs. “Your mission is to become the new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate the critical thinking skills, concern for others and the courage that it will take to transform our continent. May the mission of Ashesi weave its way into your story.”
In his remarks, the President of the Student Council commended the freshmen for taking a bold step into college. “Today you’ve left your families, your siblings and friends," he said. "Yet still today, you’ll meet new people, you’ll have new experiences, you’ll have new stories Today your life is about to change, and I really hope it changes for the best. Once again, welcome to Ashesi University.”