Two new faces at Loyola — Interim Provost David Borofsky and incoming Student Government President Ben Weil — both had a chance to introduce themselves to Loyola’s largest freshmen class in four years as the class of 2021 met for New Student Convocation at Holy Name of Jesus Church on Friday, Aug. 18.

Weil gave his keys to success for life at Loyola as advice for freshman, encouraging them to be selfish when thinking about their future and selfless when interacting with others in the community.

“The Loyola wolf den is an example of what the world should be. I challenge you during your time here to bring the love found in the wolf den into the real world,” Weil said.

Interim Provost David Borofsky followed with emphasizing the diversity of the freshmen class.

The class of 2021 comes from 47 states and 38 countries, with 30 percent from the greater New Orleans area and 30 percent also part of the First in the Pack program, a mentoring program which supports first generation college students.

Borofsky encouraged students to get involved on campus and off and assured students failure was necessary for growth.

“The best learning comes from failing. It’s okay to fail,” Borofsky said.

The Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., then led the convocation remarks. He congratulated the class on their academic successes already. The average grade point average for the class of 2021 is 3.6. This incoming class also has over 100 honors students, making them the largest honors class ever. There are also 18 Ignatian Scholars and 83 student athletes.

After the ceremony, the class of 2021 took their class photo and then proceeded to the Peace Quad in their very own second line.