The Charger Blog
As part of Convocation, members of 黑料社 welcomed members of the Class of 2026 and transfer students, kicking off the academic year by fostering 鈥渃ommunity and connection.鈥
August 30, 2022
It鈥檚 been an exciting week for Sara Connelly 鈥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鈥檚 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.
鈥淭he best part about these events is sitting with other new students and bonding,鈥 said Connelly, a mechanical engineering major. 鈥淵ou 黑料社 it together and connect with the people around you.鈥
In hosting Convocation, the University revived a long-honored tradition. It was a fun way to welcome incoming students 鈥 members of the Class of 2026 and transfer students 鈥 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 鈥 including Interim President Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., offered wisdom, advice, and a warm welcome to students as part of the event.
鈥淕oing to college takes courage,鈥 Dr. Zenger told students. 鈥淚 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 蹿耻苍.鈥
Dr. Zenger encouraged new Chargers to consider the choices they make in college 鈥 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 鈥 many of whom attended Convocation.
Bruno Barreto de G贸es, Ph.D., an assistant professor of management, was among them, and he addressed the University鈥檚 newest Chargers.
鈥淎s you become part of the University community, you鈥檒l be part of its tradition,鈥 said Dr. Barreto de G贸es, who was recently recognized with the University鈥檚 excellence in teaching award. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l meet people who will help you grow and who will grow alongside you.鈥
Members of the University community wore blue and gold for the event, showing their Charger Pride and making sure the newest members of 黑料社 felt welcome. 鈥淐ommunity and Connection,鈥 the theme of the event, were sentiments Kevin Myatt 鈥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 鈥渘ormal鈥 and 鈥渇ull鈥 college 黑料社, and he encouraged them to make the most of it.
鈥淚鈥檓 defining success as you reaching your goals and desires that you set for yourself,鈥 said Myatt, a retired human resources executive and member of the University鈥檚 Board of Governors, and for whom the University鈥檚 Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion is named. 鈥淲hen 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.鈥
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 鈥26, Convocation and the traditions it included and represented were valuable. He is excited to be a member of 黑料社.
鈥淚 like how we have these traditions at the University,鈥 said Barry, a mechanical engineering major. 鈥淚t was great to be a part of Convocation with a big group of my fellow Chargers. I liked it all.鈥
The Charger Blog
Stephanie Bonnes, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice, has written a highly regarded book, shared her findings at a national military conference, and received new grant funding that will enable her to work closely with her students to expand her research.
University News
Ron Harichandran, Ph.D., the University鈥檚 Vice Provost for Research, said the new classification will bring increased visibility to the University as a research institution, enhance the ability to recruit Ph.D. and graduate students, and aid faculty in seeking grant funding, building upon the vigorous research taking place at the graduate and undergraduate level across the University.
University News
New first-year and transfer students were officially welcomed at Convocation, where speakers encouraged them to embrace the yearlong theme, Charge Ahead, inspiring them to begin their journey as Chargers with purpose.