Freshmen and transfer students officially became members of the Elon community during new student convocation, held Under the Oaks Saturday, Aug. 23. Details and photos...
With family and friends looking on, more than 1,220 freshmen and transfer students took part in new student convocation Under the Oaks on Elon’s historic West campus Saturday morning. The event is the first formal function for new students at Elon, and signals the official start of the university’s 114th academic year.
Mark Gustafson, a senior and executive president of the Student Government Association, brought words of welcome on behalf of the student body. He encouraged new students to take advantage of the opportunities that await them at Elon and to become active members of the community.
“Through your involvement, you will have a chance to learn from many new experiences,” Gustafson said. “Take time to build your character. Get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, but always make decisions you can be proud of.”
President Leo M. Lambert told the Class of 2007 that they should savor this day and put aside their anxiety as they begin their college careers. “All that surrounds you – these historic buildings, the faculty and staff who are about to become your mentors and teachers and even friends, your classmates, this grove of oaks – all of this will become a part of you,” Lambert said. “This school, and your experiences here, will be an important part of your life. You will leave Elon someday, but Elon will never leave you.”
Lambert challenged the class to become involved, learn to serve others and to give serious thought to what it means to live a good life. “I want you to grow beyond your desire to be served in order to realize the true sense of fulfillment that comes from serving others.”
Lambert told the students that in every aspect of their studies, the liberal arts would be a common thread. “Do not underestimate the practicality of the liberal arts,” Lambert said. “You will become a better writer. You will learn to solve problems as a team member. You will be able to present ideas persuasively here.”
At the end of convocation, Elon’s newest students marched past faculty members lining the sidewalks. In keeping with Elon tradition, each student received an acorn, symbolizing the promise and potential of their education here. Tradition dictates that graduating students also receive an oak tree seedling at commencement, to plant and nurture after they leave Elon.
“On your commencement day, you will again pass through the assembled faculty line, having accomplished so much,” Lambert said. “…On that day, a day that will come much more quickly than you expect, you will exchange your acorn for an oak seedling and go out into the world with the assurance that your Elon education has prepared you for life’s journey.
“So we have a date, all of us, to meet under these oaks again in four years at commencement. Good luck! Long live Elon!”