The Dustdevil Welcome

On Friday, Aug. 27, Texas A&M International University welcomed the Class of 2014, consisting of approximately 985 students. This is the university's biggest freshman class since its inception 40 years ago. The Freshmen Convocation was hosted at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall to not only welcome the students, but to demonstrate the numerous opportunities TAMIU has to offer.

Among the various speeches given during convocation, Dr. Ray Keck, President of the university, inspired the incoming students to remain firm throughout the upcoming challenges of the next four years. Dr. Keck added that these challenges would further shape each individual and their prospective futures.   

Dr. Keck's speech was followed by a short presentation done by the students who participated in "Reading the Globe: The TAMIU Freshman Experience". This program allowed last year's freshmen to read Ishmael Beah's, "Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" to later participate in an essay contest. The 15 students who were selected had the opportunity to travel to Ghana where they immersed themselves in the culture and  performed community service activities. In turn, the students acted as a motivational tool for the freshman as they prepare for their own common read, "A Road of Lost Innocence" by Somaly Mam. For those students who are interested in applying to this year's essay contest the deadline is Oct. 11 at midnight through Angel.

Student Government Association President, Mark Garner, continued with the speechmaking as he delighted the audience with an analogy about TAMIU and cheese. Garner stated, "Imagine TAMIU as a cheese marketplace and your soon-to-be teachers as the cheese vendors". Garner ultimately encouraged students to find their "cheese" in order to succeed.

The Freshman Convocation was followed by a luncheon, in the Student Center Ballroom, where students had the ability to interact with faculty members. This event exposed students to four-year journey they will embark as college students at TAMIU.

(Nidia Yáñez may be reached at nidiayanez@dusty.tamiu.edu )