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Class of 2023 officially welcomed to Tennessee Tech
The newest class of Tennessee Tech students was officially welcomed to campus on Friday
at Fall Convocation.
The annual ceremony formally inducted more than 1,700 students into Tech’s academic community and signaled the start of their college careers.
“You have joined students and graduates who have learned to be bold, fearless and confident, who then go out to improve and change lives across the state every day as teachers, community leaders, parents, elected officials and professionals,” said Tech President Phil Oldham. “Today you join the Tech is Tennessee story.”
The incoming students were presented with the traditional Tech Challenge Coin, which students are asked to keep through their time at Tech as a reminder of the university’s promise to guide, assist and provide an education to them. Then, as they complete their studies as Tech, students are asked to pass the coin along with a letter of thanks to someone at the university who best kept that promise to them.
“Look at the tri-star. In Tennessee, the tri-star represents the grand three divisions — east, middle and west,” said Oldham about the challenge coin. “At Tech, the three stars represent three characteristics of Tech students — bold, fearless and confident.”
Marc Burnett, the vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer, told the students to appreciate their parents and the Tech faculty. He also referenced the scripture James 1:5 which says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
“My prayer for you today is that above education and knowledge, you will seek wisdom,” Burnett said.
Brandon Johnson, Tech’s vice president for enrollment management and career placement, had some interesting facts about this year’s freshman class. He said the class of 2023 includes students from 84 of the 95 counties in Tennessee, 20 other states and 22 countries.
“You join the university during an exciting time and the experience you will have at Tech will prepare you to be bold, fearless and confident,” said Johnson. “My commitment to you class of 2023 is to provide you with all the necessary resources so that you may soar through your journey here at Tech.”
The class of 2023 includes 95 students who scored at least a 32 on the ACT with two scoring a perfect 36; almost 500 students who had a perfect 4.0 GPA in high school; at least 20 students who are Eagle Scouts; 69 students who have signed with a Tech varsity athletic team; 61 students who have joined the Golden Eagle marching band; and 41 members who have served in the United States Military. The student who traveled the farthest to attend Tech is a young man named Diyorbek, from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which is 7,000 miles away.
“We have selected you based on your accomplishments and potential and we know you can succeed,” said Johnson. “We look forward to the next four years with you and remember to always keep your wings up.
Classes for the 2019-20 academic year begin on Monday.
