All University faculty, staff and students are welcome to participate in New Student Convocation Sunday, Aug. 25, at 4 p.m. in the Glass Bowl and the subsequent barbecue in the Flatlands.
“New Student Convocation is our official welcome to our new Rockets. We are going to experience some school spirit, learn about the importance of our traditions, and celebrate the many ways to build community and achieve success at UToledo,” David Young, director of Toledo Excel and special projects, said. “Being welcomed and inducted into the Rocket family by University leadership, faculty, staff and other students is a meaningful way to begin the year.”
University President Sharon L. Gaber will be at the event to greet and address new students.
Other speakers will include Dr. Karen Bjorkman, interim provost, Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, vice president for student affairs; Jason Candle, head football coach; Tod Kowalczyk, head men’s basketball coach; Tricia Cullop, head women’s basketball coach; and Rebecca Sturges and Madison Lawson, Student Government president and vice president, respectively.
“Dr. Cockrell will discuss the importance of co-curricular learning and taking advantage of University resources,” Young said.
“Dr. Bjorkman will introduce the college deans and the president of the Faculty Senate,” he added.
Blue Key will perform the national anthem, and Blue Crew, Rocky and Rocksy, the cheerleading squad, and the pep band will teach new students the University’s fight song, “U of Toledo,” as well as spirited cheers and chants.
“This event is a chance for new Rockets to become acclimated with campus life before classes start,” Young said. “This is a great opportunity to come together and welcome new students to The University of Toledo.”
Following the event, participants are encouraged to attend a barbecue in the Flatlands.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the New Student Convocation will be moved to Savage Arena, and the barbecue will take place outside the building.
