There was a great rustling of activity inside John E. Tucker Coliseum in Russellville at 8:52 a.m. Tuesday.
It was the sound of approximately 1,500 Arkansas Tech University freshmen putting on their academic gowns, a symbol of their transition to college student status and their goal of returning to Tucker Coliseum in 2021 to receive their degrees.
The donning of the gowns was part of ATU Freshman Convocation 2017, a Tech tradition now in its fourth year that serves as the official academic welcome to the institution.
“Arkansas Tech University’s history is built upon educational opportunity,” Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president, told the assembled freshmen on Tuesday morning. “It is built upon professionalism and integrity. It is built upon grit. Grit is the passion and perseverance to overcome any and all obstacles that stand between you and your academic goals. Your brain is like a muscle. The harder you work, the stronger it becomes. Today, we inherit the 108-year tradition of Arkansas Tech, and although we proudly honor the past, we look boldly to the future.”
Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman, ATU vice president for academic affairs, shared that while it might have been a few years for some, members of the university faculty, staff and administration can empathize with each of the incoming freshmen and the challenges they face.
“If you feel such a mix of emotions, relax…we understand, and we are here for you,” said Abdelrahman. “Your excitement is well deserved, for you are about to cross the gateway to a bright and hopeful future, the limits of which are only set by how big you can dream and how dedicated you are to those dreams. At Tech, you will find all you need to make your dreams come true. From the dedicated faculty to the caring advisors and the knowledgeable mentors and tutors, your success here will depend on taking full advantage and learning how to use all the resources available to support you. When in doubt, ask. When in need, ask. When you don’t know what to do or where to go, or even whom to ask, ask. It’s quite okay. We are all here for you, and nothing makes us feel happier than to help you.”
Freshmen were recognized and introduced by college. Dr. Patricia Buford, associate dean of the ATU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, began the introductions by asking the students from that college to stand. College deans Dr. Mary Gunter (College of Education), Dr. Hanna Norton (College of eTech), Dr. Jeff Robertson (College of Natural and Health Sciences), Dr. Lisa Toms (College of Business) and Dr. Jeff Woods (College of Arts and Humanities) followed suit with the students under their direction.
Freshman convocation is one in a series of activities designed to acquaint incoming students with the university. Since freshman residence hall move-in on Saturday morning, new ATU students have been involved in social and orientation events designed to make them feel welcome as part of the Tech community.
“We know that leaving home is never easy, but you could not have made a better choice for a new home away from home,” said Abdelrahman. “At Arkansas Tech, you will forge friendships that will last you a lifetime. You will find a new, extended family of caring faculty, staff and administrators who will always be here for you. As with any family, there will be happy times and some stressful times. Through it all, you will have a team to support you and cheer you on along the way.”
The journey for the ATU Class of 2021 will begin in earnest on Wednesday morning with the first day of class for the 108th session of Arkansas Tech.
“You are now a part of something much larger than yourself,” said Bowen. “As a graduate, you will forever be an Arkansas Tech alum. You will change jobs and roles throughout life, but you will always be an alum of Arkansas Tech University.”
