Casteen greets his last group of 1st-years

For the incoming first-year class at the University of Virginia, Sunday’s Opening Convocation on the Lawn was the first time they were addressed by the university’s president.

For UVa President John T. Casteen III, it was the last time that he will make the keynote address at the annual event.

Casteen, who is stepping down as president on Aug. 1 after 20 years, gave the university’s newest students a primer on how to approach their first year.

The president told the crowd that years of experience taught him that there are few things that needed to be said to the incoming class except for these three: study a wide variety of subjects; learn the basic skills in all subjects; and dig deep into topics beyond entry-level courses.

Casteen said this year’s incoming class of 3,260 is the largest in the university’s history, a designation given every year as UVa tries to admit more students. The university president rattled off the class’ statistics, including the students’ high SAT scores.

“You’re bright,” he told the class. “This is the last time you’ll hear this because your professors will tell you that you’re not.”

Sunday was an evening of introductions for the new students, who chattered in groups as they made their way to the Lawn in sundresses, polo shirts and khaki shorts. The students were encouraged to look around and introduce themselves to someone else during the outdoor ceremony.

The Class of 2014 is made up of students from 46 states and 76 countries, Casteen said. Virginia residents make up 68 percent of the student body. About half of the Virginians are from Northern Virginia, a designation that Casteen said seems to be including more of the commonwealth as the population increases in that area.

An introduction to tradition also was part of Sunday’s ceremony. Casteen gave the students a brief history of the Academical Village. Allen W. Groves, UVa’s associate vice president and dean of students, explained the significance of the symbolic gift of a nickel to every first-year student. The face of Thomas Jefferson, who started and designed the original university, is on the nickel.

Casteen also warned the incoming students of the dangers they may face. The president told them to avoid trouble, particularly alcohol and sexual abuse.

“Each of you has the opportunity to be a good citizen,” Casteen said.

The students also were supposed to turn in their signed Honor System forms, formally acknowledging that they will not lie, cheat or steal while at the university.

Classes begin Tuesday.