You Belong Here: UNCW Welcomes the Class of 2027 

More than 2,500 first-year and transfer students participated in an academic ceremonial rite of passage as UNCW officially welcomed the Class of 2027.   

The university held its fall convocation on Aug. 21, marking the start of the academic year. Administrators and fellow Seahawks from each of the university’s five colleges shared words of wisdom and support with the thousands of first-year and transfer students who packed Trask Coliseum. Before the ceremony, the students participated in the traditional Trek to Trask and class photo.   

Convocation also signifies the beginning of a lifetime journey for new students, which Provost James Winebrake compared to the expedition in one of his favorite books, "The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien.  

“Most of you are just starting to discover who you are and who you will be,” said Winebrake. “While you progress through your college years, I want you to think of yourself as an explorer on an important adventure to learn more about yourself, your talents, your interests, and, importantly, your UNCW and Wilmington communities.”  

He encouraged the class to embody the university’s motto, Discere Aude, which translates as “dare to learn,” during their journey.   

UNCW faculty and staff have created a student-centered environment and are here to help them succeed, said Chancellor Aswani Volety.  

“All of us want you to walk out of here ready to soar through your first year at UNCW,” he said. “If you remember nothing else from today, remember this: all of us are here to encourage, inspire and lift you up when your Seahawk wings feel low.”  

The new students are part of a Seahawk community comprising nearly 18,000 students, approximately 100,000 alumni and 2,500 faculty and staff. Cody Brandon, Student Government Association president, reminded the class that although their adventures at UNCW have just begun, they are “already determined, motivated and distinguished students.”  

“You came into UNCW excelling in academics, engaging in sports activity, participating in service learning, or serving as a leader in your community,” said Brandon. “All in all, you are here for a reason. You belong here, you will be valued here, and you will make history here.”