NDSU President David Cook marches through the main gates with some of the 2,500 incoming students.
NDSU President David Cook enthusiastically welcomed more than 2,500 incoming students on Aug. 22, at the start of fall semester.
“This is where it all begins,” he said during a welcome presentation at Festival Concert Hall. “This is exciting. This is a great day and a great start to a new journey. Embrace it.”
Cook encouraged the class of 2026 to dream about their potential, to attend class, get to know their professors, reach out for help when they need it and get involved in one or more of the university’s 250 student clubs and organizations.
“Take advantage of all the things NDSU has to offer,” Cook said. “Get out and meet people; the faculty and staff will make you feel welcome. Get out of your comfort zone – that’s what college is all about. We have a ton of people who are here for you; they’re people who want you to be successful.”
Nationally-known speaker Bill Cordes, creator of YOGOWYP! – You Only Get Out What You Put In, told the students that he has worked with NDSU for 17 years. “This place, this culture is amazing,” he said, noting the first few weeks of college set the tone for what lies ahead.
“These days impact the rest of your life,” Cordes said. “Don’t hold back because the first six weeks of college are so important. You have very few times where you can redefine yourself; today is one of those days. You have two big tasks – go to class and learn to manage your life.”
In three groups spread throughout the day, the students marched through the campus main gate. They were greeted by the Gold Star Band and a host of faculty and staff lining the sidewalk waving green and yellow handkerchiefs.
The first full day of classes is Tuesday, Aug. 23.
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