The Honors College hosted its 2019 convocation on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Convocation is the last step freshmen take before officially becoming members of the Honors College. It's a time for them to gather and learn more about the college from both Honors College staff and student leaders. Freshmen also received their Honors College pins before convocation began.
Dean David White introduced the Honors Staff and gave an update on the Honors College as a whole. He also told students about the Honors College's focus on innovation and how it could apply to them.
"Think out of the box and challenge yourself to do things that are going to cause you to be a little uncomfortable as you go forward because that’s where you’re going to find your confidence and that’s where you’re going to find your inspiration." — David White
Interim Chancellor Dan Gerlach congratulated the freshmen on becoming a part of the Honors College and encouraged them to live up to the responsibility of the college.
"We have high expectations of you. David alluded to this in his opening remarks about the generosity that has been shown to you and I think that now you have the responsibility to live up to that generosity." — Dan Gerlach
Joshua Spears was the keynote speaker at this year's convocation. Spears is a senior majoring in economics and classical studies with minors in English and math. He is also a resident advisor for Gateway West as well as being a member of SGA. He encouraged freshmen to seek balance and express themselves as well as living more in the moment.
"Too often we get caught up in what our master plans are and how we want to change the world. But really, you don’t have to try to change the world all at once, all you have to do is work on your personal growth and you will change the world naturally, one day at a time." — Joshua spears
Honors College Student Council President Aaron Johnson and EC Scholars Roundtable Chair Serena Mooney also spoke to the freshmen. They both spoke about what they wish they had known as freshmen.
"I’m telling you to be honest with yourself. If there is something YOU want, something that would be fulfilling to YOU, that would make YOU happy, and the only thing between YOU and that thing is fear, FACE IT. Fear of failure? FACE IT. Fear of rejection? FACE IT. Fear of inadequacy, heavy workloads, public speaking, leadership, conflict, heights, spiders, FACE THEM ALL." — Aaron johnson
"I want to encourage you all to not place your own value in the hands of others. Appreciate yourself and your own achievements because we are all on our own paths to learn and grow. Don’t feel the need to do things simply because you think you should be doing them." — Serena mooney
Credits:
Photos taken by Kristen Martin and Alita White