Much more than "a large formal meeting of people," as "convocation" is defined by Merriam-Webster, USC's new student convocation was an assembly of university officials and leaders welcoming the class of 2020 with open arms.
The annual ceremony was held in Colonial Life Arena on Wednesday morning. Music played by the USC Faculty Brass Quintet filled the 18,000-seat room as the newest additions to the Carolina community entered. Once the students were seated, the convocation would officially begin with an academic procession.
Student Government President Michael Parks led the procession, proudly carrying the University Mace, which is "the symbol of the University's corporate entity and authority, as well as of the endeavors of the University community."
Following the president of Student Government in the procession was the recipient of the 2016 Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year award, the university provost, faculty representatives, university vice presidents, trustees and, finally, University President Harris Pastides.
Dr. Dennis Pruit, vice president for student affairs, vice provost and dean of students, was the first to address the class of 2020.
"We are here today to formally challenge you to become actively engaged in your educational leverage at this beloved institution ... actively engaged both in the classroom and beyond the classroom," Pruitt said.
Pruitt encouraged the new students to learn from their experiences regardless of whether they occur in class and regardless of their difficulty and to pursue as many opportunities as they can.
"We want you to leave Carolina totally, totally exhausted," Pruitt said. "Now, I didn't say totally wasted. I said totally exhausted."
Before closing, Pruitt also encouraged students to utilize the Student Success Center, and told them that the university representatives are looking forward to seeing what they will achieve during and after their time at USC.
Michael Parks, president of student government, addressed the students following Dr. Pruitt. Parks challenged students to step out of their comfort zones, make friends and "absorb information like never before."
Parks asked the students, "Why not you?" to which the class replied, "Why not us?"
The exchanged was repeated once. Parks then read the tenets of the Carolinian Creed aloud, and presented the creed on a plaque to a representative of the class.
Parks introduced the recipient of the 2016 Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year Award, Dr. Maria Girardi.
Girardi reminded the new class that they must take responsibility for their own learning and envision their goals for the upcoming four years.
"Don't be scared if your vision changes over the next four years as you expose yourself to many more new experiences," Girardi said with assurance. "This is normal, and it should be met with open arms."
The professor provided examples of programs that can aide students in their tenures at USC, including the Welcome Table SC initiative, which serves as "a platform for (a) healthy discussion" about how to address and counteract social injustices.
University Provost Joan Gabel delivered the introduction of the Platform Party, or the university officials and guests who sat on the stage before the class. The platform consisted of the deans of USC's seventeen colleges and schools which were all founded over the last 215 years.
"We measure our university by the quality of its people, its faculty, staff and most importantly, you, our students," Gabel said. "[Faculty and staff] are excited that you're here and look forward to hearing all about you, your ideas, your dreams, while sharing some of their own."
The last to address the students was University President Harris Pastides, who happily welcomed them and expressed gratitude for their enrollment and anticipated dedication to USC.
Pastides mentioned the diversity of the newly enrolled class, boasting that 45 states and Washington, D.C. are represented among them as well as 35 countries. The class also consists of 60 high school valedictorians.
The president also assured the students that the major they have chosen is not the entire dictation of what their future will hold.
"My own college majors were biology and chemistry, and today I'm a college president. You're confused," Pastides said. "You see, it's not entirely about the major that you choose, but what you do with it, and how well you do with what you learn ... Don't sweat your major. Choose one you like, and stick with it."
Pastides also encouraged the individuals in the class to get involved in organizations and activities on or off campus that may interest them and to make healthy eating choices and not to deprive themselves of sleep.
Closing his remarks, President Pastides excitedly took a selfie with the USC class of 2020.
USC's own Cocktails a capella ensemble performed the university's alma mater, and the performance was followed by a "2001" video presentation.
Following the ceremony, first-year global studies student Erin Hahn had good feelings about the four years ahead of her.
"I'm really excited," Hahn, a New Jersey native, said. "My grandparents live two hours away from here, but this is my first real experience in Columbia."
Hahn is one of over 5,000 enrolled first-year students who have been and will continue to be welcomed on USC's campus.