Bethany College Welcomes Class of 2030 at Matriculation Ceremony 

BETHANY, W.Va. (Aug. 20, 2026) — Bethany College welcomed the Class of 2030 during its annual Matriculation ceremony, marking the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year and the students’ formal entrance into the College community. 

Following Move-In Day activities, members of the Class of 2030 gathered with faculty, staff, families, alumni and friends to participate in one of the College’s longest-standing traditions. The ceremony included the walk through the Oglebay Gates, symbolizing the beginning of each student’s Bethany journey. As part of the tradition, students pass through the gates at Matriculation and again at Commencement, representing both the beginning and completion of their Bethany experience.

Matriculation has been a defining tradition at Bethany College for generations, formally welcoming each incoming class into the academic community. Through the ceremony, students begin their college experience by affirming their commitment to scholarship, integrity and active participation in campus life while joining a legacy that dates to the College’s founding in 1840. 

“Matriculation is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s and one that adds your name to generations before you who did as you will do at Bethany: exemplify our mission and values, pursue your education with rigor, honesty, and excellence, represent Bethany proudly, and embrace all we offer,” said Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi. 

A highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the Matriculation Book, where each student added their name alongside generations of Bethanians. By signing the book, members of the Class of 2030 formally entered the Bethany College community and affirmed their commitment to scholarship, integrity, and active participation in campus life. 

In his remarks, Caridi encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities available at Bethany and to engage fully in the academic and campus experience. 

“I want to offer five suggestions to our incoming students that I hope might help, number one, learn to love learning, not just for a grade or to complete a class, but for a lifetime. Number two, be fully present in your courses, extracurriculars, relationships, and more,” said Caridi. “Number three, fall forward instead of retreating backwards when something doesn’t go right or when you make a mistake. Number four, connect with your faculty, staff, and coaches. And finally, number five, serve our community, your community, and beyond them whenever you can.

The Class of 2030 represents students from 33 states and 6 countries, bringing a wide range of experiences, interests and perspectives to the Bethany community.

As students begin the fall semester, they join a community committed to academic excellence, leadership, service and personal growth. The Matriculation ceremony marks the first chapter of their Bethany experience and the beginning of the relationships and traditions that will shape their years on campus.