After completing the extensive applications, submitting to interviews by Institute alumni and staff, exchanging numerous email messages, having conversations with returning scholars, checking into the dormitories, and enjoying dinner and a welcoming event as a group, the scholars arrived at Orientation dressed in suits and ties and ready for the Institute to officially begin.  William Keyes, founder and president of the Institute, addressed the scholars for approximately one hour about the Institute’s mission and history.  He spoke most passionately about the high expectations that he and everyone else associated with the Institute have for the young men assembled at that moment.  He said on several occasions that talent was an important factor in their selection, but that character was even more important.  He illustrated his points with anecdotes from his own life and from experiences of past scholars.

Keyes also formally introduced the Institute staff.  Two of the three staff members are Institute alumni.  And he introduced the three Summer Fellows, alumni who live on campus with the scholars and work in the office with Keyes during the day.  He informed the scholars that the Summer Fellows are their first and most important contact people.  After the Summer Fellows addressed the scholars, Keyes invited the senior class to the front of the room to tell the juniors about their prior summer and give them words of advice.  Then he asked the junior class to introduce themselves and tell why they chose to attend the Institute.  He was visibly moved to hear several of the juniors say that they gravitated toward the Institute because of its focus on character.  Other juniors mentioned the rare opportunity to spend an extended period of time building relationships with other high-achieving African American men.

Finally, the scholars heard from Professor William Allen, who told the juniors what they could expect from his Government class, which would begin at 7 p.m.   

Following the formal session, the students walked across the Georgetown University campus to have lunch at the Faculty Club, where they were seated at two long window tables that afforded a beautiful view of the newest part of the campus.  The scholars were treated to an elaborate buffet and had the opportunity to display the Institute etiquette that Keyes taught.

After lunch, the scholars spent the afternoon taking photos for their Georgetown identification cards and buying books for their classes.