New Student Welcome 2021
The Office of Orientation & Transition invites the campus community to join President Dr. Randall for the tenth annual New Student Welcome on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, as the university welcomes new students and their families and friends to the University of Utah community.
The New Student Welcome will take place virtually and will be emailed to all new first-year students and family members. This spirited video will feature President Dr. Randall, Senior Vice President Dan Reed, faculty speaker, Dr. Larry Parker and student leader Cameron Mercer.
Dr. Taylor Randall
President of the University of Utah
"I want to be the first to welcome you as new students to the University of Utah. We are so excited you have chosen the U, and even more to have you back on campus. It is you that brings so much energy and vitality of what we do here as a university. Our number one goal as leaders is your success as students, both academically and in your health and wellness. This is going to be an eventful year for me too, as the new university president. I am excited to begin this journey with you, and continue to chart an upward path for the U, as one for America's leading research universities. I have big aspirations for the University. It begins right now with each of us. Have a great year and go Utah."
Dr. Dan Reed
Senior Vice President of the University of Utah
"I also want to add my warm welcome as you come to this great institution. The distinguishing characteristics of the University of Utah is that it literally, and metaphorically opens the world to you. It's an institution with an international reputation, and every major company in the world hires graduates from the University of Utah. When you come to a place like the U, you can do anything. You can go anywhere. You can work any place, and you'll be prepared to work with the very best people on this planet. You're in for an amazing journey."
Dr. Larry Parker
2021 New Student Welcome Faculty Speaker
“As I was preparing for this talk I'm about to give you, I thought back to a time when I was on sabbatical in Berkeley, California. Friends come in from out of town, and we all went to the Oracle Arena in Oakland to see Kendrick Lamar. When he launched into his famous cut, "We Gon' Be Alright," I took his simple works to heart. And I want you to also, as you begin this new move into college life, and being at the University of Utah. All of you have earned your way here with your academic achievements, your hard work, having the support of family, friends, teachers, and a host of others, to help you get to this point. Now, as you decide to come to the University of Utah, you will definitely face challenges, but also have so many opportunities for you to take advantage of the college experience. And in the end, when you graduate, you can sing. "We Gon' Be Alright."
Cameron Mercer
2021 New Student Welcome Student Speaker
"When I first came to campus, I really didn't know my place yet, and I felt like I needed to find ways to get involved because I really just wanted to see what was out there. No matter what your wanna do, or what your interests are, there are literally hundreds of clubs on campus that you can join. And there really is, as cliché as it sounds, there's something on campus for everybody. Welcome to the University if Utah. We're really happy that you're here, and go Utah."
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Find more information about the New Student Welcome and other Weeks of Welcome events here and download the MobileU app. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Orientation & Transition at orientation@utah.edu or 801-581-7069.