First-time freshmen share their stories at inaugural Convocation

By Victoria Brown

Dr. Sheila Bouie, dean of Health and Natural Sciences at right, pictured with first-time freshmen wearing their division’s lanyards.

Southwest faculty, staff and administration honored and welcomed first-time freshmen at the College’s inaugural First-Time Freshmen Convocation Nov. 15.

The event, held at the Nabors Gymnasium on the Macon Cove Campus, provided students with the opportunity to share their stories and student experiences, and receive advice and guidance on how to remain successful throughout their academic journey. During the program, senior leaders gave an overview of their programs and the College’s support services.

For the first time, the College introduced colored lanyards representing its three divisions: Business and Technologies (purple lanyard), Health and Natural Sciences (yellow lanyard) and Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics (turquoise lanyard). The lanyards are part of Southwest’s Reimagining the Community College Experience initiative to provide a sense of belonging for students within their own collegiate communities. Students were thrilled to receive their lanyards from faculty and enjoyed scouting the room to find fellow students who belong to their own division.

Dr. Tracy Hall pictured with a student and
Southwest’s Saluqi mascot at the First-Time
Freshmen Convocation.

Dr. Tracy Hall, president of Southwest, spoke at the event and offered words of encouragement to the students.

“When you finish your credential, you are the change agent that we need. You are the people that are going to move this community forward,” said Hall.

Dr. Hall noted that the event was designed and held to familiarize students with the resources that are available on campus, as well as give them insight about the history and spirit of Southwest.

For Clara Mashburn, a Peer Mentor, Student Leadership Institute Completer, National Society for Leadership and Success Inductee and student speaker at the event, Southwest has already had an enormous impact on her life as a first-generation, first-year student. "Southwest has given me the potential to see myself as somebody I never thought I could be or see myself as," said Mashburn. "Somebody that is a leader, that can be a speaker at an event like this, and can be a part of a college community. Southwest has allowed me to take control of my own narrative in a way where I feel confident about engaging with my peers and participating in student life."

The First-Time Freshmen Convocation featured performances from the College’s Cheer Team and student Angelica Futch, who sang the school’s Alma Mater.

To learn more about enrollment as a first-time freshman at Southwest, visit our Admissions page.

Click the photo below to watch a recap of the First-Time Freshman Convocation or click here.

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First-time freshmen share their stories at inaugural Convocation

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