COOKEVILLE –Fall Convocation for the class of 2022 officially welcomed the newest members of the Tennessee Tech University family Friday afternoon.
The annual ceremony formally inducted freshmen students into Tech’s academic community and signaled the start of their college careers. With more than 1,870 students, the 2018-19 incoming freshman class is expected to be the largest to enter the university in the last four years.
“Tennessee Tech faculty and staff are well known for their commitment to your success,” President Phil Oldham told the students. “They are dedicated individuals whose interest in and concern for you are hallmarks of this university.”
The incoming students were presented with the traditional Tech Challenge Coin, which students are asked to keep through their time at Tech as a reminder of the university’s promise to guide, assist and provide an education to them. Then, as they complete their studies as Tech, students are asked to pass the coin along with a letter of thanks to someone at the university who best kept that promise to them.
“Today you join the Tech is Tennessee story,” Oldham told the students. “We will help you reach your potential. And in turn, you will strengthen your families, your communities and your state.”
This freshman class will be the first to see the completion of the 12,000 square foot Roaden University Center expansion and will also see the completion of two large construction projects on Tech’s campus: the construction of a new student recreation center and a new laboratory sciences building.
The class includes students from 86 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, 16 other states and 18 other countries. Among them are Boys State and Girls State attendees, class presidents, musicians, peer mentors and Eagle Scouts. More than 630 of the incoming students have a father, mother or both who have graduated from Tech. Tech’s varsity athletic teams welcome 70 freshmen and 55 freshmen have joined the Golden Eagle marching band.
Students ages range from 16 to 36 in this year’s freshman class, with 98 percent being ages 17, 18, and 19. Entering the university with previous service in the U.S. military are 52 students.
“Let’s grow together while you’re here. We will keep our promise to teach and help along the way, so we can meet back here together for your graduation in a few years,” Oldham said. “Be bold, fearless and confident. Stay focused, and soar like eagles!”
Classes for the 2018-19 academic year began on Monday, Aug. 27.
