(Leavenworth, Kansas) – The University of Saint Mary will welcome an incoming undergraduate class of about 300 students – one of the largest incoming classes in the institution’s history – with two Matriculation Ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, in Annunciation Chapel on USM’s Main Campus at 4100 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.

The new student body, including more than 200 freshmen along with students transferring from other institutions of higher education, will participate in the traditional, candlelit ceremonies. USM will host two sessions – for only the seventh time in university history – due to the size of the incoming class.
 
Following a greeting from USM President Ann Marie Fallon, students will light candles at the altar and form a circle around the chapel. The candlelight symbolizes the potential of students and the university's mission being carried out into the world.
 
USM is one of only a handful of American universities with a formal matriculation ceremony. The higher education tradition dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. USM began holding its version in the 1980s.
 
The Matriculation Ceremonies will precede the start of the fall semester, which begins on Aug. 31.
 
 A livestream will be available at https://www.youtube.com/live/QbRy-sglSbo
The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM-Johnson County, at 11221 Roe Ave., offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.