Alcorn State University welcomes new students
Alcorn State, Miss. (September 6, 2013) – At the beginning of the new school year, Alcorn State University welcomed new members – newly admitted students – into its family. The first event in their student life was Fall 2013 New Student Orientation held by the Office of First Year Experience, Division of Student Success and Enrollment Management.
“New Student Orientation is designed to provide freshmen and new transfer students with an introduction to the wide array of academic, intellectual, leadership, cultural, and social experiences available to them at Alcorn State University,” explained Dr. Patricia White, director of the First Year Experience Program. “It is also an important time for forming relationships with their classmates, residential hall mates, and other members of the Alcorn community.”
Greeting new students upon arrival and helping them move into their residence halls were students from various campus organizations including First Year Experience student leaders, student ambassadors, Student Government Association, members of greek organizations, ROTC, HEROS, student athletes, and faculty and staff.
“The information sessions offered students the keys to a successful experience at Alcorn. Students gathered information on a range of important topics that will help them survive and thrive their freshmen year,” shared Dr. White.
Dr. Carl Cunningham Jr, vice president for Student Success and Enrollment Management, stated, “Orientation is an opportunity for the students to get a feel of the university and its offerings. It also allows for all participating parents and students to address any issues or concerns they may have.”
A panel of administrators including representatives from the areas of student accounts, financial aid, information technology, health services, and campus police provided information about their services and resources. Alcorn President M. Christopher Brown II delivered a warm and encouraging welcome to the class of 2017. After the President’s welcome, new students and their parents had a chance to enjoy a picnic followed by a host of fun activities.
Rev. C. Edward Rhodes, pastor of Mount Helm Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, served as the speaker for the Freshman Confirmation Ceremony, and Mr. Keith Brown, motivational speaker from Fayetteville, Georgia, brought an inspirational message on “Moving from Impossible to Possible”. Lauren Erby of Jackson, Mississippi, was elected Freshman Class Queen and Mr. Denzel Turner from Meridian, Mississippi, was elected Freshman Class President at Orientation.
Alexis McGraw, a freshman from Vidalia, Louisiana, shared, “Orientation gave me an insight about college and helped me to answer the questions I had as incoming freshman. It was very exciting and I would recommend that all new students attend Orientation at the beginning of their college life.”
Alcorn State University welcomes new students to the Alcorn family!
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Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally-competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships that benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation, and world.