President Wood and faculty welcome 2,500 new students and their families during graduation ceremony
23 August 2024
President Luke Wood and faculty and staff officially welcomed more than 2,500 new Hornets and their families to campus on August 22 during the New Student and Family Convocation, marking the beginning of their academic careers at Sacramento State.
“You did it. You did it,” Wood said. “Whether you came here as a transfer student from a community college, whether you’re an incoming graduate student, whether you just graduated from high school or took another path to get here, we’re proud of you.”
All newly admitted freshmen, transfer students, and graduates were invited to attend with their families and supporters. Students, family members, and supporters filled the University Union Ballroom during the two back-to-back ceremonies.
This was the second year that the university held a graduation ceremony for new students, a rite of passage that symbolizes the beginning of their academic careers, much like the commencement ceremony marks graduation.
The ceremony opened with a procession of university administrators and deans in their official academic regalia. Later, each dean officially recognized the new students being admitted into their academic college.
“My journey began here as a student at Sacramento State just over 20 years ago,” said Wood, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the university. “I owe much of the foundation of my life and work to Sacramento State.”
Wood called on students and families to participate in a call and response while chanting “Our Hive. Our Home” was heard in the ballroom.
“This university is yours. You are not a guest. From this moment on, this is your hive. This is your home,” he said.
He also urged students to participate in campus activities.
“Half of what you learn at Sacramento State is in the classroom, but the other half is outside of the classroom, and that means getting involved in clubs, organizations, Greek life and student leadership, internships and community involvement,” he said.
The students received enamel pins reading “Hornet for Life” that their families pinned to their lapels, and their families gave “Hornet Family” pins to their supporters.
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Jaytika Faridian brought her young daughter to Convocation to show her the importance of a college education. Faridian, who said she got a good job at UC Davis, an associate’s degree and decided to go back to school to set a good example for her daughter.
“I came here tonight looking for inspiration,” Faridian said. “I’m going to be taking a lot of my classes online, so I thought this would be a nice event. It’s been years since I’ve been in a traditional college setting.”
For some families, Convocation was like a homecoming. Sacramento State graduates Cornell and Judy Yip drove to campus straight from work from Elk Grove to attend the ceremony with their daughter Kendra, a civil engineering student from Cosumnes River College.
“We both attended Sac State many years ago and so much has changed,” said Cornell Yip. “Just walking here from the parking garage, we can see big changes. I don’t even remember this ballroom.”
Kendra Yip, 19, said she wanted to learn more about the university’s clubs and activities.
“I just wanted to get to know the school and what it has to offer,” she said. “I’m excited to start classes on Monday, but I’m also a little nervous. I’m trying to pick my classes before I sign up for a class because I don’t want to affect my schedule too much.”
Aniesha Mitchell, vice president for student affairs, explained to the audience that the Latin word “convocation” means to come together.
“It is only fitting that on this day we gather the faculty, staff and students to officially welcome and greet you as the newest members of the Hornet family,” Mitchell said. “Everyone here today is committed to your success.”
Wood gave the students one final piece of advice.
“Think about how you want to change the world,” he said. “I ask you to think about what your purpose is in this world. What is your calling?”
“It’s not just about a degree or your goal of becoming a scientist, entrepreneur, artist or community leader. It’s about what you’re going to do when you get that degree to change the world.”
