More than 6,000 new freshmen were welcomed to Ohio State yesterday at Convocation 2003.
Students were led in the pouring rain to St. John Arena where the marching band played “Hang on Sloopy,” the fight song, and other OSU favorites as the students entered.
A welcome video played on a giant screen behind the front stage as students filed in. Pictures from orientation appeared on the video screen, along with clips of resident advisors, Archie Griffin, Mayor Michael Coleman and others welcoming the freshmen to OSU.
“Take the time to explore your new home town,” Coleman said. “Columbus is America’s 21st century city, so explore our art, our entertainment and everything we have to offer.”
There was an excited buzz in the arena as it filled with a wave of scarlet and gray. The ceremony began when Phyllis Z. Miller, director of First Year Experience Programs, made the official first welcome.
“This is the first of many special events,” Miller said. “But this is the only event where all of you will be together at the same time as the freshman class.”
President Karen A. Holbrook welcomed the freshman class and spoke to them about their new adventure into the real world.
“You have now joined a new family of 57,200 current students,” Holbrook said. “Welcome to the real world.”
She commented on her own experience as a new Buckeye and encouraged students to look forward to the challenges of this year.
“I understand that it is just plain hard to be new,” Holbrook said. “Convocation last year was my first day at the Ohio State University. We are really glad that you are here with us, and your college years will be a time in your life like no other time.”
Undergraduate Student Government President Mike Goodman also welcomed the freshmen and encouraged them to get involved in campus activities.
“Every student organization you join will make this university seem smaller and friendlier,” Goodman said. “At Ohio State, the opportunities to make a difference are endless.”
Buckeye quarterback Craig Krenzel made a surprise visit to welcome the new students, and he too advised the students to participate in school activities.
“I encourage you to be as involved as possible,” Krenzel said. “And go Bucks!”
Freshmen Troy Wiest and Martin Alvarado both said they felt Krenzel’s appearance and the band’s entertainment were the best parts of the ceremony.
Barbara Snyder, interim executive vice president and provost, told of the different opportunities available to the students.
“With 18 colleges, 100 departments and schools and 170 majors, if someone wants to study it then chances are we have it at OSU,” Snyder said.
Students learned from Bruce Bursten, professor of chemistry, the top ten things they needed to know about professors.
Professors are not stupid, they do exist off campus and the only stupid question to ask a professor is the one not asked, Bursten said.
Comparing professors to high school teachers, Bursten said, “There will be more beards, more tweed jackets, more funny hats and robes.
“And nothing impresses us as much as hardworking students,” he said.
At the start of convocation, students were given a bag filled with information, a Block-O pin, a scarlet and gray tassel and a disposable camera.
Mabel Freeman, assistant vice president for Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience, had the students take pictures of each other simultaneously, resulting in nearly 6,000 flashes lighting up the arena.
To conclude the ceremony, Nathan Strall, a sophomore in international business, and summer orientation leaders led the freshmen in singing “Carmen Ohio,” accompanied by the marching band.
Parading back into the rain, the marching band led the academic officials, followed by the freshmen, to the Ohio Stadium for the Student Involvement Fair and the President’s Picnic.
