FARMINGTON — The Class of 2020 at the University of Maine at Farmington was welcomed to Farmington during a matriculation ceremony on Friday.

“This is the most impressive class to enter UMF, period,” Jared Cash, vice president of enrollment, told the sea of young faces and their families who filled Dearborn Gymnasium.

Fifty-one percent of you were in the top 30 percent of your high school class, he said. “You are 550 strong with one hundred of you transferring from other institutions.”

Each student was chosen from 2,235 applications, a record number reviewed by admissions, he said.

“We’ll continue to be here for you,” Cash said. “It is the Farmington way.”

Maroon cords hung from each of 500 chairs where students were seated.

These cords symbolize your matriculation, UMF President Kathryn A. Foster said. 

Taken from the Latin word “matriculatus,” matriculation means being added to a list. In this case, it is a list of those working toward a degree, she said.

She reminded the students that four years from now, the cords will be worn with their caps and gowns at graduation, and formerly accepted the Class of 2020 to UMF.

Farmington Town Manager Richard Davis also welcomed the students, encouraging them to enjoy and explore their environment. Whether it is hiking local trails or broadening your academic horizons at UMF, you will be challenged, he said.

“Welcome to your new home,” Jamie Austin, senior and Student Senate president, told the class. “Both the campus and community have so much to offer.”

Branch out, do something new, take advantage of what this place has to offer and enjoy this experience, she said.

The orientation theme for the freshmen class is “explorientation — broaden your horizons 2016.”

“I have one question for you: What will you make of this experience?” asked Celeste Branham, vice president for student and community services.

The traditional convocation will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Dearborn Gym. Forster encouraged all students to attend. Classes will be canceled on that date so the campus community can gather together.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net