ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The start of Winthrop University’s 140th academic year will begin in Byrnes Auditorium, the newly renovated historic building at the campus’ main entrance.
Convocation, which serves as the welcoming ceremony for new and transfer students, will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25.
Starting his fourth year in office, President Edward Serna ’02 said this is his first time to experience this special moment in Byrnes. The building underwent renovations in 2018 and suffered a small fire during what turned out to be a prolonged closing. It reopened this spring.
This year’s ceremony will incorporate a new program component. Each incoming student, along with other attendees, will receive an LED candle to light at the end of the ceremony. This symbolic act represents the light of learning, shared values, and the connection between past, present and future members of the Winthrop community.
“This is sure to be the start of a memorable tradition,” Serna said.
New Board of Trustees Chairman Joel Hamilton ’06 will join Provost Sebastian van Delden, Vice President for Student Affairs Shelia Burkhalter and student leaders in delivering messages to inspire the student body. The new Eagles also will hear about campus treasures and traditions, will recite the Dedication for Excellence and sing the alma mater for the first of many occasions.
Immediately following the ceremony, Serna and First Lady Lauren Serna will lead students out of Byrnes and toward the campus front lawn in the traditional Blue Line procession. The group walk dates back to the tenure of founding President David Bancroft Johnson. New students will wear their Blue Line T-shirt for the occasion.
Faculty members will stand outside Byrnes to applaud and encourage the newest members of the campus community.
Offices will close from 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for all faculty, staff and students to attend Convocation and the picnic lunch held on the lawn in front of Margaret Nance Hall. Campus ministries, local churches and civic organizations will have tables on the front lawn in order to provide information about opportunities to get involved.
Fall classes will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 25.
For more information about Convocation, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at 803/323-2404 or e-mail her at longshawj@winthrop.edu.
