Students and staff seated on stage while the Fisher Convocation begins

The Fisher community welcomed the newest faces to campus, as new and first-year students participated in the college’s 2018 Convocation ceremony. The annual event served as an introduction to the Fisher experience while also celebrating the talent and diversity of the incoming class.

Anil K. Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business, and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Students and Programs Elliot Bendoly encouraged the Class of 2022 to fully embrace their academic, professional and personal growth at Fisher and to begin to hone their skills as principled leaders who are ready to make an impact at Ohio State and — eventually — in their careers.

Students celebrate the Convocation with the Dean
Dean Makhija and students at the 2018 Fisher Convocation.

“In time, we want to hold you up as shining examples of what it is to be a Fisher grad,” Bendoly said. “We want to be able to say ‘This is someone who took the best of who they were, the best of the opportunities they were presented with, and absolutely excelled in a way that is above reproach!’”

The event, held at the Ohio Union, officially welcomed 1,682 students who collectively have achieved significant academic prowess:

  • 97 percent of first-year students were in the top 25 percent of their high school class
  • The average ACT score of first-year students was 29.3
  • More than 16 percent of the Class of 2024 are first-generation college students

Videos of the late Max M. Fisher and Marjorie S. Fisher introduced students to the college’s namesake and the Fisher family’s commitment to education and philanthropy. Alissandra Aronow, granddaughter of Max Fisher, delivered the event’s keynote. Aronow serves as vice-chair on the board of trustees for the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation.

Max Fisher relative on stage giving speech
Alissandra Aronow, granddaughter of Max Fisher, delivers the keynote at the 2018 Fisher Convocation.

“When you graduate from this amazing institution, remember Max Fisher, because he’d be congratulating you and saying ‘Go make your mark on the world by living your values, by leading others and, most importantly, by giving back,’” Aronow said. “When you become leaders in business and philanthropy in your own backyard and around the world, remember Max Fisher, because he’d be encouraging you to stay true to your roots and to keep thinking big.”

Five news students pose for a photo at the ceremony
New and first-year students celebrate at the 2018 Fisher Convocation.