Freshmen and transfer students officially became members of the Elon community during new student convocation, held Under the Oaks Saturday, Aug. 24. Details and photos...
With family and friends looking on, more than 1,200 freshmen and transfer students took part in new student convocation Under the Oaks on Elon’s historic West campus Saturday. The event is the first formal function for new students at Elon, and signals the official start of the university’s 113th academic year.
Christian Wiggins, a senior and president of the Student Government Association, brought words of welcome on behalf of the student body. He encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities that await them at Elon and to become active members of the community.
President Leo M. Lambert told the Class of 2006 that an Elon education will prepare them for a life of service and citizenship. “During your time at Elon we want you to reach beyond the boundaries of this campus and learn what it really means to be a citizen of a broader community in a deep sense…. I want you to grow beyond your desires to be served in order to realize the true sense of fulfillment that comes from serving others. You can start right here at your own university, and ask what you can do to make Elon a better place.”
In every aspect of their studies, Lambert told the students that the liberal arts would be a common thread. “So my most important message to you this morning is to savor your experiences in the liberal arts and sciences. Don’t approach them as requirements to be met or hurdles to be cleared, but rather as the bedrock upon which all your other learning at Elon will be based.”
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, symoblizing 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.
“Today, we plant the seed, symbolically, that will germinate and grow into that small tree you’ll receive at commencement,” Lambert said. “Keep your acorn as a reminder that you have within you everything you need to grow and become strong.”
