Students take the Oath of Academic Integrity at Tech’s freshman convocation on Aug. 18
(UCBJ) – Tennessee Tech University welcomed its newest class of Golden Eagles this week at fall convocation, the university’s formal induction ceremony for freshmen held at the Hooper Eblen Center.
President Phil Oldham, Provost Mickey Latour, senior administrators and faculty presided over the ceremony, which helps prepare students for life at Tech.
“Wings up, class of 2030! Welcome to campus and to Cookeville,” said President Oldham to the freshman students gathered at the event. “Starting today, you all belong to Cookeville and the surrounding community. You will find adventure, friendships and success here. Welcome home.”
Karen Lykins, vice president for enrollment and communication, delivered remarks highlighting the students’ unique backgrounds and experiences. Lykins noted that incoming freshmen at Tech hail from 86 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, 29 other states and eight other countries. The students range in age from 16 to 62.
Lykins added that the class of 2030 has an average high school GPA of 3.72 and an average ACT score of 24.9. The class also includes 158 students who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military, 24 Eagle Scouts and five National Merit Finalists.
The university’s official freshman enrollment figures and overall headcount will be released upon completion of the annual fall census, two weeks after the start of classes.
Student Government Association President Autumn Cecil, a senior majoring in mathematics, statistics and data sciences, encouraged her fellow students to make the most of their time at Tech by getting involved in campus life.
“These next four years will move faster than you expect, and the choices you make early on will shape your experience in ways that stay with you long after graduation,” Cecil told the class.
Cecil encouraged students to explore Tech’s more than 250 student organizations, build relationships with professors, and invest in the people around them. She also reminded students that they do not have to navigate college alone.
“You belong here,” Cecil said. “You bring something unique to Tennessee Tech, and this campus is better because you’re a part of it.
Bobby Wilder, head coach of the Golden Eagle football team, also delivered remarks to the class of 2030, encouraging students to “think of each other as teammates” and “aim high in everything you do.”
Wilder’s comments come on the heels of Tech’s move to the Southern Conference as the Golden Eagles look ahead to their season opener on Aug. 29 against Monmouth University – the first game in Tech’s newly renovated Tucker Stadium.
Later in the event, Provost Mickey Latour administered the Oath of Academic Integrity, in which the class of 2030 pledged to “value and uphold the standards of Tennessee Tech University by pursuing my academic endeavors with honesty, responsibility and courage.”
Robert Owens, senior executive for access, belonging and community outreach, offered the invocation while Cecil additionally served as ceremonial mace-bearer.
Following convocation, the class of 2030 was escorted to Tucker Stadium for the annual class photo on the football field.
Students will each receive a digital copy of the photo to download and share with family.
Learn more about convocation at Tech and watch a livestream of this year’s ceremony at www.tntech.edu/convocation.
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