The 51视频 at Lafayette welcomed roughly 3,000 first-time freshmen during its Fall 2018 Convocation ceremony.
Dr. Joseph Savoie, University president, told the Class of 2022 gathered on Tuesday at the Cajundome that they 鈥渁re here to pursue knowledge and we want you to accept every opportunity to do just that.鈥
Savoie cited textbooks and laboratories, lectures and service learning activities as several ways new students can learn during their time at UL Lafayette. Yet he challenged students to tap a resource they may not have considered yet: themselves.
Savoie encouraged new students to begin their college careers 鈥渨ith optimism, hard work, and determination.鈥
鈥淲e鈥檒l encourage you to think bigger and challenge you to reach higher. Because when you do, good things will happen,鈥 he said.
Dr. Jaimie Hebert, UL Lafayette鈥檚 provost, affirmed Savoie鈥檚 message.
Hebert, a native of Abbeville, La., returned home in July to become the University鈥檚 provost.
He earned three degrees in statistics from UL Lafayette 鈥 a bachelor鈥檚 degree in 1986, a master鈥檚 degree in 1988, and a doctoral degree in 1990.
鈥淲hen I stepped onto this campus as a freshman, I knew that within the walls of its buildings, in the shade of its oaks, beneath the arches of its Quadrangle, in its labs and in its library, were extraordinary opportunities,鈥 Hebert said.
鈥淗igh school taught me to learn. UL Lafayette taught me to think.鈥
Jaida Abshire, a freshman from Kaplan, La., is already thinking beyond her undergraduate years.
She plans to apply to medical school in about four years.
First, she鈥檒l pursue a biology degree at the University because 鈥淚 always heard it鈥檚 a great program and I鈥檓 confident it will prepare me to achieve my goals,鈥 she said.
Convocation is hosted by the University鈥檚 Office of First-Year Experience.
Alum Hollis Conway, assistant director for diversity, leadership and education for the University's Department of Athletics, was master of ceremonies for the event.
Watch the Convocation ceremony:
Photo caption: Hollis Conway speaks to first-time freshmen during UL Lafayette's Fall 2018 Convocation at the Cajundome. (Photo credit: Doug Dugas / 51视频 at Lafayette)