Monday, August 15, 2016

Faculty and Class of 2020 students filled the seats of Trask Coliseum Aug. 15 for UNCW’s convocation ceremony, gathering collectively in anticipation of the year ahead. The event is the formal kickoff to the academic year, with classes beginning on Aug. 17.

Convocation is one of many events welcoming new students to campus. It follows small-group meetings for freshmen led by faculty members. This year, 108 faculty volunteered to speak to the incoming class, alongside student leaders, about how the university’s newest students can make the most of their academic career.

In his speech, Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli recounted the great successes UNCW has had as an institution dedicated to innovation and imagination while reminding all present that UNCW is “not content to rest on past successes.” Similarly, Marilyn Sheerer, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, urged students to leave the university four years from now as different people, shaped by their experiences.

Herbert Berg, director of international studies, capped off the speeches by reminding students to learn as much as possible from their professors, calling them some of the best teachers in the world.

“Let UNCW be your gateway to the world,” said Berg. “And to worlds you don’t even know exist.”

-- Caitlin Taylor '18M

#AA