New students were formally welcomed into the Temple academic community during New Student Convocation, held Friday, August 24 in the Liacouras Center.

An annual tradition at the beginning of each school year, the event signals the beginning of undergraduate students' college career at Temple.

This year’s Convocation included remarks by Interim Provost Hai-Lung Dai, Acting President Richard Englert, Faculty Senate President Joan Poliner Shapiro, Temple Student Government President David Lopez and Temple University Alumni Association President John Campolongo, and performances by the Broad Street Line a cappella group and the Boyer College of Music and Dance Convocation Band.

In his remarks, President Englert welcomed graduates to the university community and described the qualities they will develop through their Temple educational experience: wisdom, tenacity, toughness and strength.

“Temple graduates aren’t simply self-made individuals, they are also Temple Made high achievers,” said Englert. “Our community thrives on academic excellence, diversity, opportunity, creativity and an attitude of roll-up your sleeves and make it happen! To be truly Temple Made means that each one of you will chart your own path.”

Temple Student Government President David Lopez, who just returned from a summer internship at the White House, told the students to become engaged in the university community in order to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them at Temple. He shared his own experience, relating how his involvement in student organizations and part-time work helped him set and attain his goals.

“Every time I accomplished something as a student leader, it gave me more confidence to chase after an even bigger goal,” said Lopez.

Following the formal ceremony, the arena went dark and a pep rally began, featuring remarks by Temple coaches Tonya Cardoza, Fran Dunphy and Steve Addazio, and routines by the Temple Spirit Squad, Diamond Gems and members of the Cherry Crusade. NBC10 sports anchor John Clark hosted the rally. Students were led in renditions of the university fight song and alma mater, and the “T for Temple U” and “I believe that we have won” cheers.

Afterward, attendees were led across campus by the Diamond Marching Band to a barbeque held on the Anderson Hall mezzanine. Students dined with Temple faculty and staff, reflecting their new status as members of the university community.

As Lopez put it, “You are now, and always will be, Temple Owls.”