Categories: Archives

Freshman convocation caps orientation week

The Freshman Convocation, the pinnacle of the five-day New Student Orientation, took place… The Freshman Convocation, the pinnacle of the five-day New Student Orientation, took place at the Petersen Events Center Thursday, Aug. 23. During the hour-long event, Chancellor Mark Nordenberg, along with several other distinguished faculty members, welcomed Pitt’s newest students, giving them advice on how to succeed in their future academic careers.

John Baker, president of the University Senate, led the Academic Processional, comprised of professors from various academic departments. Following an orchestral playing of Bach’s Concerto in D Minor, University Provost Jim Maher welcomed the incoming freshmen.

“You are the future of this university,” Maher said. “As we proceed through the following years, the University’s progress will be due to you.”

After Maher addressed the freshmen, Nordenberg welcomed them to Pitt’s “blue and gold family.” He urged the class of 2011 to learn without limits.

“Wisdom begins in wonder,” Nordenberg said, invoking a Socrates proverb. “At Pitt, you will learn to wonder, and once you do that, there are no limits to what you can do.”

Dean of Students Kathy Humphrey urged the students to maintain academic discipline by reminding them of Vince Lombardi’s quote, “winning is all-the-time, not part-time.” Humphrey welcomed the class of 2011 to the Pitt community, advising them to follow the tenets of the Pitt Promise.

Following the last speech, the audience sang the alma mater with Alyssa Thatcher, from the class of 2009, to end the Freshman Convocation.

Incoming freshman Charlie Bowman believes the Convocation helped him prepare for his future at Pitt.

“The convocation, as well as the entire freshman orientation in general, has helped me get oriented and has been pretty useful for me,” he said.

Pitt News Staff

Share
Published by
Pitt News Staff

Recent Posts

Frustrations in Final Four: Pitt volleyball collects fourth straight loss in Final Four

The best team in Pitt volleyball history fell short in the Final Four to Louisville…

3 days ago

Olivia Babcock wins AVCA National Player of the Year

Pitt volleyball sophomore opposite hitter Olivia Babcock won AVCA National Player of the Year on…

3 days ago

Photos: Pitt women’s basketball falters against Miami

Pitt women’s basketball fell to Miami 56-62 on Sunday at the Petersen Events Center.

4 days ago

Photos: Pitt volleyball downs Kentucky

Pitt volleyball swept Kentucky to advance to the NCAA Semifinals in Louisville on Saturday at…

4 days ago

Photos: Pitt wrestling falls to Ohio State

Pitt Wrestling fell to Ohio State 17-20 on Friday at Fitzgerald Field House. [gallery ids="192931,192930,192929,192928,192927"]

4 days ago

Photos: Pitt volleyball survives Oregon

Pitt volleyball survived a five-set thriller against Oregon during the third round of the NCAA…

4 days ago