Geoffrey Marcy, professor of astronomy at the University of California at Berkeley, helped welcome UD’s Class of 2010 during New Student Convocation on Aug. 28.

Marcy, who received an honorary degree during the ceremony, urged the new students to critically question their own thoughts and the thoughts of others as part of their journey through their undergraduate experience.
About 3,710 freshmen and transfer students from the United States and 15 foreign countries attended the event marking the beginning of the 2006-07 academic year.

“Those of you who are entering UD as freshmen are extraordinarily lucky,” Marcy said. “Here, you will be able to attend a leading university. UD has a world-renowned faculty, superior students, excellent research opportunities and a commitment to public service.”

The main challenge to the members of the Class of 2010, Marcy said, should be to question the truthfulness of everything they are taught in the course of their undergraduate experiences.
Before making his remarks, he was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree by Robert Fischer, vice chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees. Marcy’s research has focused on the detection of extra-solar planets and brown dwarf stars. His team has discovered 110 extra-solar planets, allowing study of their masses and orbits.

The honorary degree is the highest honor bestowed by UD.

In opening the Convocation ceremony, University President David P. Roselle saluted the 20 freshmen celebrating birthdays that day, as well as noting that 23 sets of twins are among the Class of 2010.

Some more facts about the new class:

• Slightly more than 14 percent (479) of incoming freshman entered UD with a 4.0 GPA.
  
  
• Most freshmen—78 percent—participated in sports during high school, with 63 percent doing community service or volunteer work.
  
  
• About a third of the class, or 1,006, are Delawareans; 2,286 are from other states; and more than 100 are from other nations.
  
  
• Fifteen percent of the class is African American, Native American, Asian American, Latino American or Pacific Islander.