UCI Welcomes Class of 2001

Hundreds of students streamed into the Bren Events Center at UC Irvine on Monday morning for the annual freshman convocation.

In a colorful procession that was a study in contrasts, many of the students wore shorts, T-shirts and sandals, while deans and faculty members donned academic caps and gowns.

There are 2,800 incoming freshmen and 1,000 transfer students in the class of 2001.

“Each and every one of you has the right stuff to be a success at UCI,” Chancellor Laurel L. Wilkening told the assembly. She noted that UCI’s wide range of disciplines has produced graduates including Brian Cooper, an engineer involved in the Pathfinder space mission, Pulitzer and Nobel prize winners, and comedian Jon Lovitz.

“Take advantage of the opportunities around you,” Wilkening said. “You’ll meet students from other cultures and religions. You’ll meet students from towns you’ve never heard of. And you’ll meet students who might share your love of classical music or the Internet.”

William Schonfeld, dean of social sciences, also spoke to the students, drawing laughter many times during his speech.

“Why are you here at UCI?” Schonfeld asked. “Perhaps you decided you didn’t want Chelsea as a roommate. Or maybe you had no choice. Some of you are here to get an education. In fact, all of you should be here to get an education.”

Amita Khazanie, 18, said she can hardly wait for classes to begin Friday. “I’m so excited,” she said. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment.”