On Monday, Aug. 19, NC State welcomed approximately 4,800 first year students and 1,400 transfer students to the Wolfpack community in its yearly celebration of the start of the year, convocation.
The event began with remarks from head football coach, Dave Doeren, and a performance from NC State’s Power Sound of the South. Students were given the opportunity to learn the words to NC State’s fight song, “Red and White,” and the alma mater for the first time. Students also got a chance to sing along to both songs for the first time as a class, creating a sincere feeling of community about the Wolfpack family.
New students were then welcomed by Student Body President, Emma Carter, a fourth-year studying sociology and international studies, who shared her personal experiences and growth during her time at NC State, as well as offering advice to the incoming class.
“These next four years will bring about new experiences and opportunities, new friends and new moments that will let you discover who you are,” Carter said. “Now for a little bit of advice: create your own path, accepting challenges on the way, and remember the strength of the pack is the wolf and the wolf is in the pack.”
Chancellor Randy Woodson also welcomed the class of 2023 and announced that the incoming class features students from all 100 counties in North Carolina, represents all 50 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and 81 countries.
“We are very proud of you, and I say this not to suggest you are lucky to be here, I say it because we are lucky to have you here,” Woodson said. “You’ve got amazing opportunity before you, you’ve earned it.”
Keynote speaker, Dr. Blair Kelley, assistant dean for Interdisciplinary Studies, spoke to students about perspective and diversity of perspectives amongst individuals, a key point outlined in the 2023 summer reading Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Kelley explained how a person’s gaze, or perspective, directly impacts how they experience the world around them.
“The basic idea of gaze is, it depends on where you sit and where you look,” Kelley said. “Gaze is meaningful because with the act of seeing we have the power to shape a story.”
Kelley asked students to consider how their individual experiences contributed to their perspective versus the experiences of their peers and to be open minded towards those with different experiences to their own.
Kelly urged students to be fearless during their time at NC State and encouraged students to involve themselves in activities and experiences that make them feel uncomfortable in the name of learning.
“Failure is a part of this process, try new things, take classes that challenge you, push beyond your comfort zone,’ Kelley said. “Someone once told me ‘if you are comfortable you are not doing it right’.”
Closing remarks made by Warwick Arden, executive vice chancellor and provost, followed a similar tune. Arden urged students to take advantage of all of the resources NC State has to offer, and reminded students to support and respect one another.
The Class of 2023 was officially welcomed to NC State during New Student Convocation in Reynolds Colesium, Monday, Aug. 19. Dr. Blair L.M. Kelley, Assistant Dean for Interdisciplinary Studies and International Programs, was the keynote speaker and lead a discussion on Trevor Noah's "Born a Crime," the common reading.
