By Valentina Toro
Managing Editor
For the university’s newest students, New Student Convocation marked more than the beginning of classes.
It officially welcomed them into a community they will call home throughout their college experience.
“I hope they take away the fact that they are part of our community, that they’re no longer students who are looking at Southern. They are a part of Southern,” Sergio Perez, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, said.
About 1,100 incoming freshmen gathered for the annual ceremony before taking their symbolic first steps through Founders Gate, a university tradition representing the beginning of their academic journey.
University leaders encouraged students to become involved, seek support and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Perez said Founders Gate represents the generations of students who have attended the university and the responsibility new students have to continue building on the work of those who came before them.
Convocation Ceremony on Aug. 24.
For Perez, beginning college can bring uncertainty as students adjust to a different environment, meet new people and take on greater responsibilities. He encouraged students to seek help when they need it and remember that they have a community around them.
“Relax, take a step back, seek help,” Perez said. “You are surrounded by a community that wants to help you and knows you can be successful and enjoy the experience.”
Alumna Joy Osahon offered students advice drawn from her own experience at the university.
Osahon told students that getting involved on campus helped shape who she became beyond the classroom and those experiences have stayed with her throughout more than 15 years of her career.
Osahon also reflected on her own experience, by sharing that she struggled academically after entering the university as a pre-nursing major. She told students that experience changed her understanding of the effort college requires.
“Hard work and discipline have to be etched into your mind,” Osahon said.
Osahon encouraged students to attend class, seek tutoring and use the Writing Center when they need additional support. She also encouraged them to participate in campus programs, even when they are unsure about getting involved.
For journalism major Sanaa Bellamy, a freshman, the ceremony reinforced the sense of community they felt while beginning college.
“They’re very welcoming, very accepting, and this is a good community to be around,” Bellamy said.
Bellamy said she is looking forward to meeting new people, beginning classes and becoming more involved in the university.
One part of Convocation that particularly stood out was the candle-lighting ceremony, a tradition she had not experienced before.
“The candle-lighting ceremony really stood out to me,” Bellamy said. “I’ve never really seen something like that, but I think it’s really cool, especially how it’s tradition.”
Each flame lit more than a candle; it lit the beginning of a new chapter for the Class of 2030.
University leadership also reminded students that college gives them greater independence, but that independence comes with more choices and responsibilities.
Students were encouraged to explore their interests and use their time at the university to determine what they want from their college experience.
As students begin their first semester, the message of Convocation centered on making the most of the opportunities ahead.
“You chose Southern, now make Southern yours,” interim president Sandra Bulmer said.
