The Class of 2012 gathered for the first time on Aug. 30, 2008, Under the Oaks of campus for New Student Convocation, where Elon University leaders encouraged freshmen to make the most of their next four years, both in and out of the classroom.
Key themes emerged in addresses by Elon University President Leo M. Lambert, Parent’s Council President Robert Badavas, professor Jessica Gisclair and Student Government Association executive president Chase Rumley: Embrace the Elon community, take advantage of unexpected opportunities – and, perhaps most important, uphold personal and academic honor.
“I suppose we all have a limit to our abilities,” Badavas said. “But you won’t find it here at Elon, where the possibilities are endless and your opportunities to grow unencumbered.”
Lambert reminded students that very few people in the world have an opportunity to attend college. For those who do, making the most of their opportunities to help others is a personal responsibility. He also asked the audience to be alert for a “tap on the shoulder” moment where students discover a love for an academic field or a life passion.
“You have come to a place whose purpose for being is human transformation,” Lambert said. “Be ready and awake for the tap on the shoulder that will come your way and you will leave Elon poised for a purposeful and meaningful life.”
Following the ceremonies, students processed through lines of facultyand received an acorn, an Elon traditional gift that symbolizes thepromise of an Elon education.
Student reaction afterward showed that the messages have already taken hold.
Tina Belchere, of Hong Kong: “It made me want to take advantage of being at this school. Not many people get a chance to receive this good an education.”
Jenna Chenault, of Richmond, Va.: “It made you feel like everyone is here to help you if you have problems or questions.”
Chris Fry, of Gladstone, N.J.: “You don’t realize it until you’re here how many people don’t have the opportunity we have.”
Several parents said they believe their children will learn from the messages shared at convocation and that the emphasis placed on community is a mark of a university committed to its students.
“The comments were well focused,” said Jerris Hayes, the father of Camille Hayes, who transferred to Elon for the fall semester. “They provided a context in which Elon can be meaningful to each student.”
Other observers remarked how Lambert’s message resonated with them. “Clearly, it marks for us a huge transition in our lives. President Lambert phrased it best when he said how quickly this moment arrives for parents,” said Kirk De Roo, father of Grant De Roo of Exeter, N.H. “And I couldn’t be more pleased hearing those messages as a parent from where my child will be for the next four years.”
Cornell and Brenda Mitchell also noted the opportunities at Elon for their son, Travis, as the couple waited for him after convocation. “I usually drift off at these sort of things, but today I was listening,” Brenda Mitchell said. “This is the one place our son ever wanted to come and was thrilled when he was accepted here.”