ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The opening of Winthrop University’s 141st academic year will kick off with the annual Convocation ceremony that also contains a history lesson on the university’s treasures and traditions.
Convocation, which serves as the welcoming ceremony for new and transfer students, will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24.
Incoming students will be given a Garnet and Gold book which recounts many of the honored customs that help make Winthrop the institution it is. They’ll also receive an LED candle to light during the “Lighting the Winthrop Way” portion of Convocation. This symbolic act represents the light of learning, shared values, and the connection between past, present and future members of the Winthrop community.
Starting his fifth year in office, President Edward Serna ’02 treasures the start of the new academic year and in welcoming new Eagles. Holding the ceremony in Byrnes Auditorium is also a treat, he said, particularly since it was closed for a prolonged period and reopened only last year.
Serna, Provost Sebastian van Delden, Vice President for Student Affairs Shelia Burkhalter and student leaders will deliver remarks to welcome and inspire the student body. The new Eagles also will recite the Dedication for Excellence and sing the alma mater for the first of many occasions.
Immediately following the ceremony, Serna and First Lady Lauren Serna will lead students out of Byrnes and toward the campus front lawn in the traditional Blue Line procession. The group walk dates back to the tenure of founding President David Bancroft Johnson. New students will wear their Blue Line T-shirt for the occasion.
Faculty and staff members will stand outside Byrnes to applaud and encourage the newest members of the campus community.
Offices will close from 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for all faculty, staff and students to attend Convocation and the picnic lunch held on the lawn. Campus ministries, local churches and civic organizations will have tables to provide information about opportunities to get involved.
Fall classes will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 24.
