As the race toward final exams begins, a group of outstanding Temple seniors took a well-earned break from academics Thursday to participate in the annual Student Honors Convocation, held in recognition of their hard work and achievement.

The 615 students invited to attend are projected to receive Latin honors at graduation this May. They are the top 16 percent of their graduating class based on cumulative GPA, with the top 2 percent designated Summa Cum Laude, the following 5 percent Magna Cum Laude, and the next 9 percent Cum Laude.

Roughly 320 honorees and 500 guests and faculty members attended the convocation, which took place in the newly renovated Baptist Temple. The ceremony began with remarks from President Ann Weaver Hart.

“Your impressive achievements are here for all of us to celebrate,” said Hart. “You represent the top achievers among a student body of overall high achievers with high standards and impressive accomplishment.”

Hart commended the students for setting a good example for their peers and for raising Temple’s standards of excellence.

“This leadership will be the legacy that you leave for us, and the students who follow will feel that legacy for years to come,” she said.

Provost Lisa Staiano-Coico echoed Hart’s sentiment. "We are so proud we have been privileged to be your mentors and to watch you blossom and grow,” she said.

The students were called to the stage one college at a time to receive a gold honors cord from President Hart and Trustees Robert Rovner and Patrick Eiding. They will wear the cords with their robes at commencement in May. The deans of each school or college were onstage to present their students to the audience.

After closing remarks from President Hart, the students and their guests moved to the Great Court in Mitten Hall for a reception.