The Skyline Newspaper

Photo: Spike Miller passes the spirit stick to first semester freshman Leobardo Nunez. Photo by Justin Ruthstrom

Convocation Continues Tradition

By Steve Lang
News and Publications

One tradition led to many others for new Sul Ross State University students.

Nearly 400 new students, joined by faculty and staff, attended the ninth annual new student convocation, held Aug. 30in Marshall Auditorium. The yearly event is designed to introduce students to the traditions of Sul Ross and encourage commitment and participation in the university community.

President R. Vic Morgan welcomed the Class of 2011 by urging them to become a part of the Sul Ross tradition and serious investors in their education.

"You made the right choice in choosing Sul Ross," said Morgan. "I hope you choose to set as a goal a degree in four years and truly be a member of the Class of 2011."

Student Government Association president Jaime Rios, Roma, also addressed the new students, urging them to make the most of their university experience.

Morgan emphasized the importance of Sul Ross traditions, and academic traditions in general, as a means to build continuity, cohesiveness and pride in the culture and heritage of the university. He referred to the new student convocation, painting and lighting the Bar-SR-Bar at Homecoming and hiking to the desk at the top of Hancock Mountain as some of the Sul Ross traditions.

"Traditions can be a vital part of an institution and the traditional part of your experience should become a vital part of your memories of your alma mater," he said.

"Get involved in campus life. Be a part of the Bar-SR-Bar tradition, and start your own traditions, too," Morgan said. "Start things that are worthwhile."

He closed his remarks to the Class of 2011 with questions:
"Will this be the best year of your life? Will you achieve the goals you set? If you compete in athletics or perform on stage, will you strive to do the best you can in any endeavor? Can you accomplish all your goals? Can you make a difference?" he asked.

"As students, you have the opportunity to succeed or fail. As former Secretary of Education (Richard) Riley said, "it is also to insist that you become a serious investor in your own education." "You made the right choice, and you're about to become part of the tradition and culture that is Sul Ross," he concluded. "You made the right choice, so plan to get involved and to get a degree in four years."

Dr. David Cockrum, Provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, gave a brief history of Sul Ross and its namesake, Lawrence Sullivan Ross, who was Texas Ranger, Civil War hero, Governor and Texas A&M University president.

Gregory Schwab, associate vice president of Enrollment Management, welcomed new students to the campus and presented the class to Dr. Morgan. The convocation included a charge to the entering class and the passing of the spirit stick from Luke "Spike" Miller, to Leobardo Nunez, a Class of 2011 member.

The convocation concluded with singing the "Alma Mater," led by Dr. Donald Freed, associate professor of Music. Dr. Justin Badgerow, assistant professor of Music, played the Processional and Recessional. Annual Fall on the Mall activities followed on the University Mall.