First-year Bluffton University students—members of the class of 2019—sign a banner on their first day on campus that symbolizes their commitment to support each other and to learn together.

The banner will be displayed in Bluffton’s Marbeck Center until their graduation day in four years.

The traditional banner signing followed a welcome from university President Dr. James Harder, who discussed his hopes for the incoming class.

The president said he hopes each member of the class will give “your full heart” to all of Bluffton’s four enduring values—discovery, community, respect and service.

“My hope today is that you give your full heart to your college education—don’t hold anything back, make the most of it for yourself and for the benefit of others,” he added.

Several other members of the campus community also shared their hopes for the new students, who joined in a litany and prayer.