The beginning of the academic year started off with its traditional Convocation Ceremony held at Matthew Knight Arena where incoming freshmen received a warm welcome to the University of Oregon. Not only did the ceremony welcome new students but also new faculty.

“I thought convocation was a great way to introduce us to the school year. It makes me excited for the academic year,” freshman Tayler Wagner said.

Guest speakers for the ceremony were UO President Michael Gottfredson, Interim Senior Vice President and Provost Scott Coltrane and Associated Students of the University of Oregon President Sam Dotters-Katz. All the speakers emphasized their excitement for the incoming freshmen and how proud they are to have these students be part of the Eugene community.

Much of the ceremony focused on the arrival of new students and the start of a new academic year. Dotters-Katz really made it clear that no other freshmen class has ever had to prove themselves so much more than this freshmen class, and each and one of them has accomplished so much and will add greatly to Eugene.

Gottfredson added the importance of being involved in the school, whether that was exploring different classes, joining leadership roles, being part of Greek life, joining a club or simply starting one. The fact is that part of being in college is finding yourself and making life-long friends and enjoying all the things UO has to offer. All the students are meant for greatness and will accomplish anything they set their hearts to.

For freshman Arcela Urzua, she felt very inspired and moved by the speeches and couldn’t believe that just in June she graduated and now she’s in college.

“I thought the speeches were so inspiring, and it made me look back on my graduation in June, and now I’m part of this community. The ceremony was just a preview of what life is going to be like, and I’m very excited for it,” Urzua said.

As each speaker wrapped up their speeches, each of them mentioned their own piece of advice to the new students. Some mentioned taking risks, others mentioned the importance of exploring this community and lastly some said to watch the clock.

“I was really impressed by the speeches and I cannot wait to get involved with the school and making new friends and succeeding this school year,” said freshman Taylor Barnhart.