Greetings Franklin College alumni and friends! Each fall as we welcome a new class of Grizzlies, we are reminded of the important journey that lies before them. This year, 315 new undergraduates arrived at Franklin College, the third consecutive entering class exceeding our enrollment goal. These talented young people represent 58 Indiana counties, 11 other states from California to Florida, and seven foreign countries. They have all come with goals familiar to generations of Grizzlies before them: to gain knowledge, develop skills, build relationships and earn a degree that opens professional doors throughout their adult lives. Our ambitions for them are even greater. We want our students to become educated people who are prepared not only to succeed professionally, but to manage all aspects of life confidently. They must learn to adapt to changing circumstances, think critically, communicate effectively, demonstrate resilience and approach others with patience, respect and humility. An important part of the student experience at Franklin is encountering people and ideas different from their own. Our goal is not to protect students from opposing beliefs nor is it to tell them what they should believe. Rather, it is to help them form and refine their own ideas, express them thoughtfully and remain willing to listen and learn from others. In a world too often characterized by incivility and close-mindedness, those attributes have never been more important. The same skills will be increasingly valuable in a world and an economy so significantly impacted by artificial intelligence. While technology will continue to evolve and enhance efficiency, students whose uniquely human skills are the most well-developed, whose communication skills are the most effective and whose leadership potential is most evident will distinguish themselves in whatever careers they choose. Those are precisely the objectives of a liberal arts education. Outside the classroom, we provide another wealth of learning opportunities that foster personal growth and build lifelong relationships. Long after graduation, it will be the late-evening conversations about life, faith, politics, ethics and the
issues of the day that students will remember. They will cherish the memories of road trips for athletic contests, great musical performances, study away experiences and fraternity and sorority events, all of which have contributed immensely to their education here. Our high hopes for this newest class of Grizzlies come with great confidence. We are excited to watch them learn and grow, and we are eager to support them each step of the way.
Kerry N. Prather President
Welcome Week marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Class of 2030. Take a look at their first days as Franklin College Grizzlies.
FRANKLIN COLLEGE 101 BRANIGIN BLVD FRANKLIN, IN 46131 800.852.0232