University Convocation welcomes new students into academic community
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (August 28, 2009) – Almost 2,000 new freshmen at Tennessee Tech University began their college careers in the same way they hope to finish – in a ceremony filled with pride, tradition and honor.
The incoming students were the first in many decades at TTU to participate in an official convocation, the ceremony that recognizes the beginning of their academic careers with the university and highlights the important transition the students are making in their lives.
Faculty members participated in the convocation in full academic regalia and Rear Admiral Vinson E. Smith of the U.S. Navy, a TTU alumnus, addressed students at the hour-long event.
He encouraged the freshmen to succeed in their studies, help each other, and make service a part of their lives.
“For me, service has been a way of life,” Smith said. “I hope the same will be for you. Service means being part of something greater than self. While you are here, give back. Help others be successful, and the more successful you’ll become.
“You are the generation that can pick up where previous generations have dropped off,” Smith urged. “Create new ideas and new ways of doing things. Never say something cannot be done. It can, and it will. All it takes is someone to do it. That can be you.”
Smith also challenged the students, who - preliminary figures show - entered the university as the largest freshman class and with the highest ACT scores and grade point averages of any class in university history, to become the class of 2013 with the highest graduation rate of any group before it.
“University convocation marks the induction of each new student into Tennessee Tech University’s academic culture and community,” said TTU President Bob Bell at the event. “It also marks the transformation of our university, because after this class of 2013 completes this ceremony, our university will be forever changed by these new students.”
The students, all dressed in purple shirts, participated in the ceremony by reciting an academic oath of integrity with TTU Provost Jack Armistead. They were introduced to their academic deans and campus leaders before singing the Tech Hymn with the Golden Eagle marching band.
After the ceremony, students and their families were treated to a free picnic lunch and campus organization fair.
Campus officials plan to make the event an annual tradition.
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