09/08/2026
The Princeton Graduate School welcomed hundreds of new graduate students on August 26, at an assembly kicking off a two-day Orientation. Graduate School staff cheered as students arrived at Richardson Auditorium to hear remarks from Dean of the Graduate School Rodney Priestley, Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber, associate deans of the Graduate School, alumni leaders, students and faculty.
Eisgruber said that graduate students are “critical to every aspect of what this university does, from teaching to learning to research and to service. You bring tremendous creativity, diversity and talent from throughout the world, and I am so happy that you are here.”
Priestley announced at the beginning of the program that the Graduate School's theme for the academic year is “Thriving as a Global Community of Scholars,” and added that belonging to such a community benefits domestic and international students alike. (Image 2)
“Ultimately, being a thriving global community of scholars is about impact,” Priestley said. “You have joined a community that spans disciplines, cultures, and continents. Pursue your work boldly. And help us demonstrate what a thriving global community of scholars can achieve.”
Students also heard from academic and administrative deans who encouraged students to take advantage of the many kinds of support available, followed by a Q&A panel of faculty and graduate students, who offered thoughts on success in graduate school.
The proceedings concluded in Richardson Auditorium with welcomes from Princeton Alumni leaders and the singing of the University's alma mater, Old Nassau.
“While you're joining Princeton today as graduate students, you're also building a lifelong relationship with a truly global community, said Natalie Berkman*18, president of the Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni (APGA). (Image 6)
Earlier in the week, participants in the Graduate Scholars Program pre-Orientation Retreat heard Raghuveer Vinukollu, who received his Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering in 2011, share reflections on graduate school and his industry career (Image 9)
Read more about Princeton Graduate School Orientation: https://bit.ly/4cvkDiS