"State Stride" Welcomes Incoming Students August 23
8/14/2012
"State Stride" Welcomes Incoming Students August 23
INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- A virtual sea of black and gold will swarm the campus of West Virginia State University Aug. 23 as faculty, staff and students welcome incoming freshmen and transfer students into the family with the "State Stride."
Just prior to the “Stride” President Brian O. Hemphill will address new students at Convocation at 11:00 a.m. in the Ferrell Hall Auditorium.
“Convocation and ‘State Stride’ are symbolic transitions for students—moving from their past academic careers, into the learning communities at West Virginia State University,” said Hemphill. “We ask students on their first days here to visualize themselves donning their caps and gowns for graduation, just a few short years from now. These initiatives show our new students the depth of support, encouragement and accountability that will be a part of their academic and social experiences at State.”
Following his remarks, Hemphill and the Yellow Jacket band will lead the group for the “State Stride" up the Red Road to the Student Plaza. Returning WVSU students, faculty and staff, wearing black and gold or WVSU gear, will flank the “Stride” route to show support for the University's newest members.
The events will culminate with all attending the Welcome Back Cookout, complete with free food, music, prize drawings and a festival of campus activity booths.
“As we start a new academic year at State, this is the perfect opportunity to implement a tradition that honors student achievement and promise,” said Hemphill.