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It’s been an exciting week for Sara Connelly ’26. She moved into her new residence hall, has been meeting and connecting with her new classmates, and she officially started her time as a Charger.

Last week, Connelly attended the University’s Convocation, an event created to inspire the newest Chargers and help build a sense of community. For Connelly, the event was a great opportunity to share that excitement with her new classmates.

“The best part about these events is sitting with other new students and bonding,” said Connelly, a mechanical engineering major. “You experience it together and connect with the people around you.”

‘Going to college takes courage’

In hosting Convocation, the University revived a long-honored tradition. It was a fun way to welcome incoming students – members of the Class of 2026 and transfer students – while kicking off the academic year. The goal was to cultivate a fun and festive atmosphere and to set an optimistic and positive tone for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Faculty and staff gathered outside the Beckerman Recreation Center to cheer on incoming students as they processed from their class photo at Zolad Stadium, around the Charger Statue, and into the Beckerman Center. Members of the University community – including Interim President Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., offered wisdom, advice, and a warm welcome to students as part of the event.

“Going to college takes courage,” Dr. Zenger told students. “I commend you on that courage. College should, can, and will be difficult. Not everyone goes to college. It also should, can, and will be fun. It will be difficult and �ڳܲ�.”

‘Find what makes you happy’

Dr. Zenger encouraged new Chargers to consider the choices they make in college – from who they choose to be their friends to their choice to be successful at the University. He reminded them of the many faculty and staff members who are there to support them at the University – many of whom attended Convocation.

Bruno Barreto de Góes, Ph.D., an assistant professor of management, was among them, and he addressed the University’s newest Chargers.

“As you become part of the University community, you’ll be part of its tradition,” said Dr. Barreto de Góes, who was recently recognized with the University’s excellence in teaching award. “You’ll meet people who will help you grow and who will grow alongside you.”

Members of the University community wore blue and gold for the event, showing their Charger Pride and making sure the newest members of Charger Nation felt welcome. “Community and Connection,” the theme of the event, were sentiments Kevin Myatt ’16 Hon., endeavored to foster. In his keynote address, he reminded incoming students that, because of the pandemic, they are the first class in three years to be able to expect a “normal” and “full” college experience, and he encouraged them to make the most of it.

“I’m defining success as you reaching your goals and desires that you set for yourself,” said Myatt, a retired human resources executive and member of the University’s Board of Governors, and for whom the University’s Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion is named. “When you were dropped off at the University, you were dropped off into independence. Success is not key to happiness, but happiness is key to success. Find what makes you happy and fulfills you. If you find what you love, you will be successful.”

‘I like how we have these traditions’

As part of Convocation, Greg Overend, executive director of the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership and Orientation, revealed the banner that was chosen to represent the Class of 2026. Designed by a group of students as part of a Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) session, this will be printed and displayed on campus.

New students also received pins, as well as a copy of the Charger Compact, symbolizing their membership in the University community. These incoming Chargers were the 14th class to join the University community since the compact was created.

For Ryan Barry ’26, Convocation and the traditions it included and represented were valuable. He is excited to be a member of Charger Nation.

“I like how we have these traditions at the University,” said Barry, a mechanical engineering major. “It was great to be a part of Convocation with a big group of my fellow Chargers. I liked it all.”