Spring Break
Freshman convocation welcomes ECU's biggest class
Students learn what it is to be a Pirate
Natalie Jurgen
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: News
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ECU faculty and staff stressed the message of tradition, spirit and involvement to a room full of new students.
Richard Williams, associate professor of recreational and leisure studies, welcomed the group and touched on the fact that graduation was 1,365 days away and that each of those days will fly by.
After Williams welcomed the new Pirates, their attention was shifted to a video titled The Vision.
"This is the largest freshman class ever," said Chancellor Steve Ballard. "That says a lot about the education you have to expect here."
Ballard spoke about the commitment that ECU has made over the past 101 years to be successful.
"Your success is our success," Ballard said.
Ballard also offered students four tips for success: go to class and work hard, come back next year, get a degree and learn how to be a leader.
It All Started Here at ECU, a video with ECU alumnus and president and CEO of Up With People, Tommy Spaulding, was shown next.
Spaulding's message was one of involvement.
"I got involved, and because I got involved the university got involved in my heart," said Spaulding.
Marilyn Sheerer, interim provost, spoke about the ECU creed and the importance of abiding by certain rules. Broken down, Sheerer's messages stressed honesty, respect, thinking before speaking and how to be a role model.
Chair of the English faculty, Jan Tovey, then addressed the students on the value of academic integrity. Tovey defined integrity as "the steadfast adherence to a strict ethical code."
Following Tovey's words was Andrew Griffin, president of SGA. Griffin urged students to become involved in campus and attend events with the upcoming Weeks of Welcome.
Richard Williams then taught the room full of new Pirates the most important word in a Pirate's grammar, "AAARGH!!"
"You are now a part of the Pirate family," said Williams.
Student Brian Pollock then sang the Alma Mater.
Vice provost of student affairs, Kemal Atkins, later told students to "take advantage of the opportunity you've been afforded."
Andrew Griffin closed the ceremony with a singing of the ECU victory fight song.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
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