Speakers at the University of Massachusetts New Student Convocation hammered home the point that freshmen should be careful not waste their potential over the next four years.
“You alone have the power to make these next four years unforgettable,” Student Government Association president Vinayak Rao told the incoming freshman class of 2018, which filled the Mullins Center Monday afternoon.
“Join a fraternity, join a sorority, join a club,” he said, adding that his involvement with various activities have made hard times easier and good times even better. “You have no excuse to ever be bored on this campus.”
Rao, who was elected SGA president in March, pointed out that the future president of the class of 2018 was sitting in the Mullins Center, unaware that they would be giving the same speech in three years.
“If you don’t know who you are, that’s okay,” Rao added. “You will experience change here, and that’s good. The man that was sitting in your seat three years ago today is not the man I am today.”
Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy encouraged students to make the most of their time at UMass during his speech.
“A lot will happen between now and May 2018,” he said. “They will be exciting years but for some of you they may include anxious moments. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”
Enku Gelaye, vice chancellor of Student Affairs and Campus life, introduced the UMatter at UMass initiative to the students, explaining its goal of promoting a stronger campus community through actively caring for each member. “If we all act individually then together we will succeed,” she said. “It’s all about being an active bystander and taking a stand.”
The incoming freshman class, made up of more than 4,000 students, is one of the highest academically achieving classes to ever enter the University, according to Subbaswamy. Gelaye added that this year, there are also 1,100 new transfer students.
Subbaswamy stressed the importance of classwork to the new students, encouraging them to become engaged with their course material.
“Classes are a lot more interesting when you are prepared,” he said. “You have the ability here to explore all sides of an issue, which is the way you will discover the truth.”
Andrew MacDougall, president of the Alumni Association, told the students that the first four years here are the most important, but they are not the end.
“UMass is always a part of you, now and for the rest of your lives,” MacDougall said. “You have the opportunity to be an active participant in our programs and to connect with alumni throughout the world. We invite you to be proud members and ambassadors of our UMass Amherst community, always remembering, You were. You are. UMass.”
The Minuteman Marching Band performed a rendition of its Earth, Wind and Fire medley before teaching the new students the Alma Mater and the Fight Song.
The convocation concluded with the new student pledge, which includes a commitment to the pursuit of an education that “emphasizes intellectual exploration and fosters educational growth.”
After the convocation, the new students took a class photo.
“Don’t just attend the University,” Rao said. “Be a part of it.”
Eleanor Harte can be reached at [email protected].
