Class of 2028 Begins DU Journey With Convocation, Discoveries Orientation

First-year students form a D and U at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium for the class of 2028 photo.

From the moment they stepped on campus on Sept. 3, DU’s newest class of first-year and transfer students were welcomed with nonstop activities including Move-In Day, Convocation and Discoveries Orientation.

The 1,350 or so students in the class of 2028 come from 47 states and 35 countries. Students and their families traveled far and wide to get to Denver, with 70% coming from outside of Colorado and nearly two-thirds from over 500 miles away.

Parents are always a big help when setting up a dorm room.

First-generation students make up 19% of the incoming class. In addition to the first-year students, 160 transfer students have chosen DU as their academic home this fall.

The arrival of the Class of 2028 comes as Princeton Review released its rankings of the 390 Best Colleges of 2025. DU ranked No. 1 for “Their Students Love These Colleges” and placed in the top 25 in several other categories.

After spending the morning and early afternoon moving into their dorms, students and their families filled the stands of Magness Arena for an event that is considered the starting line of their academic journey: Convocation.

Chancellor Jeremy Haefner addresses the crowd during Convocation.

Chancellor Jeremy Haefner set students on their path at DU with three pieces of advice: Say “yes” as much as you can, cultivate belonging and be intentional.

“You’ll discover new ideas and fresh ways of seeing. You'll reflect on your experiences, connect with talented, brilliant people, discover meaning and purpose in your intellectual pursuits, take care of yourself, and prepare for the career and life you desire,” he said.

Students and their parents listen to remarks during Convocation at Magness Arena.

The students and their families were also greeted by Todd Rinehart, vice chancellor for enrollment management; Mary Clark, provost and executive vice chancellor; and Berkeley Rebman and Tyler Miller, vice president and president, respectively, of the Undergraduate Student Government.

Rinehart highlighted the successes the incoming class have already had, noting that their talents and accomplishments have prepared them for this next chapter.

“Your abilities, talents and passions will take you far. This is your time to take action in solving some of the complex issues of our world. This is your new chapter and your new beginning,” he said.

The class of 2028 leaves the Daniel L. Ritchie Center past crowds of family and loved ones as part of the the time-honored Family Farewell Spirit Tunnel.

Provost Clark echoed Rinehart’s thoughts, encouraging students to fully embrace their time at DU.

“I do wish for you that you see your time here at DU as a great adventure, and that you experiment and explore and discover—and I’ll look forward to hearing about your adventures,” she said.

Convocation culminated with the time-honored Family Farewell Spirit Tunnel, where parents and loved ones lined the brick pathway outside the Daniel L. Ritchie Center to officially usher in the new students, who then led the way to the Crimson Cookout.

A family embraces after Convocation as their child is set to embark on Discoveries Week and their journey at DU. 

The week-long Discoveries Orientation gave students a chance to get to know their 4D peer mentors, the campus and the city of Denver through games and friendly competitions, RTD adventures, the official class photo, First Ascent at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus and many more daytime and evening activities.

This week was just the beginning of the opportunities and support students will experience throughout their time at DU—all aimed at developing intellectual growth, pursuing careers and lives of purpose, promoting wellbeing and exploring character as part of the 4D Experience.

“Lean in, invest in yourself, be vulnerable, seek out discomfort, help others,” Miller told the new students. “Also, try to read a book or two.”

Tyler Miller, president of the Undergraduate Student Government, speaks to the crowd during Convocation.