Adrian College welcomes Class of 2030
Posted Thursday, August 27, 2026
Author: Mickey Alvarado
Five hundred and seventy-five students representing Adrian College’s Class of 2030 arrived on campus Friday, Aug. 21 for move-in weekend. The fall semester officially began with classes on Monday, Aug. 24.
After moving in with help from family, friends and members of the Bulldogs football team, the students checked in and were welcomed by Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking and his staff during this year’s matriculation ceremony in Dawson Auditorium.
“Every parent should have received a coin inscribed with the words, ‘The greatest gifts you can give your child are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence,”’ Docking said. “For roughly 18 years, parents, you’ve given them roots. Well, today you give them wings and we celebrate with you… I say congratulations to you. Congratulations on raising the type of children who can be admitted to this type of institution. Congratulations on raising young adults with values that embrace higher education and a life of meaning, purpose, and consequence.”
Adrian College has enrolled an incoming class of 500 or more new students each year for the past 19 years. This year, almost 3,000 students submitted applications. The Class of 2030 includes two students who have published children’s books, two who are children of former professional athletes and 11 who already have their own businesses. There are also 12 class valedictorians. Additionally, 36 students have already been admitted into Adrian College’s honors program.
There are new students from 26 states and eight countries, including Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Sweden and Taiwan.
Four hundred twenty-eight of the students are from Michigan, with 44 coming from Lenawee County. Addison has four, Adrian 11, Blissfield one, Britton Deerfield one, Clinton three, Hudson two, Lenawee Christian Schools two, Madison six, Morenci one, Onsted two, Sand Creek two, Tecumseh five, Jackson College/LISD one and three are homeschoolers. In all, more than 1,700 students arrived at Adrian College during the week.
Docking offered the incoming class two suggestions that he believes will make their college experience a “great success.”
“My advice is this. Don’t leave without getting to know many of the professors personally,” Docking said. “Stay after class, ask questions, use their office hours and do research with them whenever possible. Let them know you personally. They are Adrian College’s most valuable assets and the opportunity to develop relationships with them may be the single greatest advantage of coming to a school like Adrian.”
His second suggestion was to give themselves time to figure out what they want to do with their lives.
“You don’t have to chart out your future overnight,” Docking said. “Perhaps you don’t know what major you want to major in. You don’t know what you want to do yet. Perhaps you’ll change your mind several times. That’s fine. The beauty of a small college is that it gives you a chance to discover your passion. If you start in one place as a freshman and end up graduating in something totally different, that’s okay. As long as you love what you do, you’re good at it and can make a lasting and positive contribution to whatever field you choose. So, relax and enjoy the moment. You’ll be in the swing of things in no time.”
Andrea Milner, Adrian College Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, told the visitors that matriculation ceremonies are designed to celebrate transitions.
“This ceremony recognizes that our outstanding freshman class is transitioning from home to a new home, from high school to college, from teen years to adulthood,” she said.
Patrick Farver, Chairman of the Adrian College Board of Trustees, also welcomed the students.
“On behalf of the board of trustees of Adrian College, it’s my distinct honor and pleasure to be part of this celebration, welcoming all of you into this exciting new chapter in your lives,” Farver said. “For 167 years, Adrian College has been dedicated to graduating successful, civically minded individuals who will apply their skills and knowledge to improve our world. As we recognize the class of 2030, we affirm the importance of this mission and the purpose of this institution.”
Frank Hribar, Adrian College Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs, encouraged the class to make academic achievement their highest priority.
“Adrian is a college of over 200 academic programs, 53 intercollegiate sports teams and yet has one mission: your future success,” he said. “This day and this ceremony mark a turning point in your life. You are officially an Adrian College student.”
During the three-day Welcome Weekend, students checked in and met with faculty advisors and student leaders. In addition to mandatory placement testing, a course scheduling session and advising on everything from financial aid to time management, students participated in events including a Parking Lot Party with a DJ and carnival games, Mall Beats and Eats with live music and food trucks and a S’mores and Skate event in the Thomas Pavilion and Arrington Ice Arena.
To view the matriculation ceremony, click here.
